Reduce Salinity in Ground
and Surface Water

Elevated salinity and nitrates in surface and ground water in California’s Central Valley is an increasing problem. Higher levels of total salinity and its constituents of sodium, chloride, and boron are detrimental to almond production. In addition, water infiltration can be impaired under certain total salinity and specific ion scenarios.

These problems are being addressed by the Central Valley Salinity Coalition, and the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability. Both work in conjunction with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The Central Valley Salinity Coalition is a non-profit formed in July 2008 to organize, facilitate and fund efforts needed for the efficient management of salinity in the Central Valley.

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability  (CV-SALTS) is a collaborative basin planning effort aimed at developing and implementing a comprehensive salinity and nitrate management program.

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board is in the process of adding ground water management to the Irrigated Lands program. A major focus of the program will be on salinity and nitrate reductions in ground water.

External Links:

Measuring Salinity of Irrigation Water

Salinity Management in Orchards by Maxwell Norton, UCCE Merced County

Irrigation and Salinity Management in Dry Years by Terry Prichard, UCCE San Joaquin County

Managing Water and Salinity for Almonds in Kern County, Kern Soil and Water, May 2007 by Blake Sanden

Managing Salinity, Soil and Water Amendments

Surface Water Quality by Allan Fulton, UCCE Tehama County

Groundwater Management by Allan Fulton, UCCE Tehama County