CV-SALTS Program

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS)

Overview of the CV-SALTS Program

Elevated salinity and nitrates in surface water and groundwater are increasing problems affecting much of California, other western states, and arid regions throughout the world. In California, as surface and groundwater supplies become scarcer, and as wastewater streams become more concentrated, salinity and nitrate impairments are occurring with greater frequency and magnitude.

2006:  The Central Valley Water Board, the State Water Board, and stakeholders began a joint effort to address the issues and initiated Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS).

2008: The Central Valley Salinity Coalition (CVSC) was formed. CVSC represents stakeholder groups working with the Board in the CV-SALTS effort.

2017: The Central Valley Water Board accepted a Central Valley-wide Salt and Nitrate Management Plan (SNMP) that was submitted by CV-SALTS.

2018: The Central Valley Water Board adopted a Salt and Nitrate Control Program implementing SNMP recommendations.

2019: State Water Board approved the Salt and Nitrate Control Program. State Water Board also directed targeted revisions to the amendment adopted by the Central Valley Water Board in Resolution R5-2018-0034 on 31 May 2018.

January 2020: Office of Administrative Law approved the Salt and Nitrate Control Program.

November 2020: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved most of the surface water provisions of the Salt and Nitrate Control Program.

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