Los Berros Creek Nitrate TMDL

Problem Statement - Discharges of nitrate are occurring at levels in Los Berros Creek which are impairing beneficial uses. The municipal and domestic drinking water supply and groundwater recharge (MUN, GWR) beneficial uses of the creek are currently not being supported. In addition, potential or future beneficial uses of the agricultural irrigation water supply (AGR) beneficial use for nitrogen-sensitive crops are potentially not being supported. Elevated nitrate can create problems not only for drinking water supplies but can also cause potential problems for nitrogen sensitive crops (grapes, avocado, citrus ) by detrimentally impacting crop yield or quality. Nitrogen in the irrigation water acts the same as fertilizer nitrogen and excesses can cause problems just as fertilizer excesses cause problems. Reducing nitrate pollution and ultimately achieving the nitrate drinking water quality standard in Los Berros Creek will restore and be protective of the full range of MUN, GWR and AGR designated beneficial uses of the creek.

• Map of the project area