The Coachella Valley Irrigated Lands Coalition, Inc (CVILC) was established to help irrigated agriculture meet the requirements of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board's (RWQCB) Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) in the Coachella Valley.
Under the ILRP that was originally adopted in July 2003, farmers and ranchers that irrigate their land and have runoff from that irrigation or rainfall must belong to a coalition or apply for an individual discharge permit from the Regional Board directly.
In 2014, the ILRP was expanded to include Coachella Valley.
Under a new General Order adopted in November 2020, all irrigated crop land and commercial pasture now requires coverage under the ILRP. This new Order expands the regulatory oversight to groundwater aquifers and potential leaching of nitrogen from crop applications of fertilizer, manure or compost. A grower/owner can choose to comply through an individual permit or by joining CVILC.
The Coalition is a membership-based organization that implements programs that help farmers and ranchers minimize or eliminate their impacts to the Waters of the State of California. These programs include promoting best management practices (BMP), organizing grower workshops and monitoring of surface and ground water quality as required by the Regional Water Board.
It is important for owners of any land irrigated by canal or well water to understand that this program is required by State law. All those who irrigate their land must comply with the ILRP or face a possible regulatory action by the Regional Water Board.
Questions on joining the Coalition? Use the Contact Us form below or email us.
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