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Nonpoint
Pollution from poor agricultural practicesFarming is a productive use of land, yet some farms can be a threat to water quality. Runoff from farms carries nonpoint pollution. Eroding soil, pesticides and other chemicals, animal waste, and loss of riparian zones next to water bodies are common concerns. Clearing streamside vegetation or allowing animals to access streams destroys fish and other aquatic habitat. Shellfish beds are especially vulnerable to bacteria from animal waste from farm runoff or human waste from failing septic systems. Sometimes, especially after a heavy rain, the Department of Health must close a particular beach to protect people from eating shellfish gathered there, which could make them sick.
Ground water is also at risk of contamination by nitrates, chemicals and bacteria from fertilizers, and animal waste. Nitrate levels are dangerously high in some farming communities in the Columbia Basin. Babies under six months can suffer from a disease called methemoglobinemia or "blue-baby syndrome" if nitrate levels in the family’s drinking water exceed 10 mg/liter, which keeps the baby’s blood from carrying enough oxygen to individual body cells.
Water pollution from animal waste can be a problem, whether it's from a large livestock operation, a flock of chickens, a single horse, or pets in residential areas. When a livestock operation causes a discharge to water it usually must get a discharge permit. (See Ecology's publication Focus on Bacterial Source Tracking for more information about animal and pet waste issues.)
Managing animal waste and other potential pollutants on farms so they don’t pollute surface or ground water relies on using recognized Best Management Practices (BMPs). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed an extensive set of BMPs which it calls the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) to fit different farm activities and resource conditions.
Technical assistance and information are available for farmers from local conservation districts, Washington State University Cooperative Extension (CE) and the NRCS. Financial assistance is also available through the Districts, including state and federal cost-share and the low-interest State Revolving Fund (SRF) from Ecology.
Washington State established a dairy program in cooperation with the dairy industry in 1998. In July 2003 its name changed to the Livestock Nutrient Management Program. Under this program, dairies must develop and implement a Nutrient Management Plan to manage waste appropriately. Over 98% of the current 630 dairies in Washington are in compliance with this requirement, and many have fully implemented their plans. Water quality improvements related to better dairy management have been documented.
Some irrigation districts and individual farmers have implemented efficiencies in water use that save water and reduce the amount of sediment entering state waters. More farmers are implementing cultivation practices for field crops that retain soil on site, preventing it from blowing into the air or reaching surface waters. Dramatic improvements have been achieved in some areas already.
In the Columbia Basin, a locally developed Ground Water Management Area (GWMA) promotes more efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides. These practices have led to improved ground water quality.
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