The proposed tighter water quality requirements for California dairies aim to address nitrate contamination in groundwater, which has been a significant environmental concern. The draft order by the California State Water Resources Control Board seeks to establish new groundwater quality protection requirements applicable to all California dairies applying dairy waste to land. This move is in response to issues raised by environmental groups and the historical scrutiny of Central Valley dairy farmers for contributing to nitrate and salt leaching into groundwater.
The draft order introduces a nitrogen discharge limit to align with the nitrate drinking water standard and proposes stricter regulations for land application and waste retention. Dairies would also be required to provide alternative drinking water for affected residents. However, the draft regulation has faced criticism from the dairy industry. Farmers like Ron Peterson have expressed concerns about the economic burden of complying with these new regulations, arguing that they make farming in California more challenging.
A coalition of dairy and agriculture groups has submitted recommendations, criticizing the proposed regulation as “unworkable” and “unreasonable.” They argue that it mischaracterizes the beneficial use of manure and imposes economic burdens that could duplicate existing efforts. The coalition suggests that the regional board, with its expertise, should lead the development of new standards.
Merced County dairy farmer Gino Pedretti and others highlight ongoing local efforts to address nitrate levels, such as the CV-SALTS program, and argue for the value of manure in sustainable farming practices. Despite the challenges, the dairy sector is actively participating in initiatives to improve environmental outcomes, including supporting nonprofits for well testing and constructing anaerobic digesters to reduce emissions.
As the draft regulation progresses, stakeholders will have opportunities to provide input during a workshop in mid-2025. The state water board may finalize the regulation by late 2025 or early 2026, balancing environmental protection with the economic realities faced by the dairy industry.
