It wasn’t an earthquake. However, it may result in the largest change in dairy management since the adoption of the bulk tank.
On June 3, 2026, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB5) adopted the Modesto Nitrate Management Zone Implementation Plan (MZIP for short). For dairies, this Plan starts a 35-year timeclock. Between now and then, dairy producers and the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) have much work to accomplish. The goal at the end of the 35 years is to achieve no further degradation of the groundwater from nitrate.
The 35-year window provides time to identify and implement improvements needed to manage surplus nitrogen at each farm and then appropriately manage the remaining nitrogen. Specific deliverables must be accomplished over time and require accountability. The MZIP area will continue to test drinking water and provide safe water to residents with impacted wells when tests show water is above the safe drinking water standard for nitrate concentration. Within three years, examples include use of a new Data Management System for Annual Reports (web-based portal) and data collection to allow analyses of data at different scales, development of site-specific Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plans, and reporting of compliance with Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plan annually thereafter. At 10 years, each dairy must document it is on track to achieve 0 nitrogen surplus by the 35-year mark. This becomes increasingly more difficult for facilities that may have intermittent fallowing of land due to Sustainable Ground Water Management Act restrictions.
For now, the focus is on meeting the no further degradation goal in 35 years. The local management zone board of directors will review nitrate loading information and identify if there is a different approach regarding collection of funds to pay for water quality testing, safe drinking water and any needed research. Maintaining seats at the table is essential for representation. Dairy producers contribute to management zone costs through CVDRMP.
CDQAP held workshops June 10 (allied industry), and June 11 and 19 (dairy producers) to highlight requirements and timeline milestones. More information will follow as additional management zones prepare to adopt similar Orders.
And there’s more. Additional requirements for all Central Valley dairies will occur when the State Water Resources Control Board adopts an order anticipated this fall. The State Board released its draft order on June 15 and says it is scheduled to be adopted at a public hearing in September. RB5 will be required to address the additional requirements as it modifies its Dairy General Order.
Be sure you consider implications of both the MZIP and Dairy General Order regulatory changes while you consider facility modifications and long-term contractual obligations.
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