Nitrate in Groundwater
Many communities in the Central Valley rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. But in some areas, the groundwater cannot be safely used due to nitrate levels that may cause serious health impacts.
To address this challenge, local industry and community representatives have come together to form the Kings Water Alliance, an organization dedicated to developing short-term and eventual long-term safe drinking water solutions for residents in parts of Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties.
Why is this a problem?
Nitrates seep into groundwater from fertilizers, wastewater discharged by animal feedlots, industrial facilities, municipal wastewater plants, and even from leaky septic systems. Over time, these nitrates accumulate and can contaminate local drinking water supplies.
High levels of nitrate in drinking water can create health risks—especially for infants and pregnant women. Because nitrate levels have been increasing over the last few decades, some water supplies are now unsafe and do not meet state or federal drinking water standards.
Helpful Resources
Coming Together to Solve the Safe Drinking Water Challenge
In 2006, a diverse group of growers, dairies, industries, local communities, environmental organizations, and the State formed the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) to take on this water quality issue.
One of the outcomes of this collaboration is the Nitrate Control Program, which has three main goals:
- Provide safe drinking water supplies
- Reduce nitrate impacts to water supplies
- Restore groundwater quality, where reasonable and feasible
To achieve these goals, local Management Zones have been created. The Kings Water Alliance is the governing entity for the Kings Management Zone, which covers the Kings and Tulare Lake groundwater subbasins.
