ABOUT US
Why do we have the Coalitions today?
The Tule Basin Water Quality Coalition (TBWQC) was formed to help growers comply with the waste discharge requirements (WDRs) from irrigated lands, also known as the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP), that could affect the quality of ground and/or surface waters of the state in the most economical and efficient manner possible.
The purpose of the TBWQC is to allow growers to enroll in a third-party group fulfill the requirements and conditions of the Waste Discharge Requirements set by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board for General Order No. R5-2013-0120, modified by R5-2013-0143 and later revised by R5-2013-0120-07. Alternatively, growers are given the option to obtain an individual WDRs under Order R5-2013-0100, separate from joining a third-party group.
The TBWQC was created as a special project of the Deer Creek and Tule River Authority (DCTRA). The DCTRA has been the member agency that participated in the South San Joaquin Valley Water Quality Coalition as the representative of the Tule River sub-watershed and is familiar with the Waiver requirements for the surface water monitoring program previously implemented. The DCTRA provides leadership and the Board for the TBWQC but provides no financial assistance; all expenses of the TBWQC are paid for the TBWQC members.
The boundary of the TBWQC covers the southern portion of Tulare County and a small portion of the Delano Earlimart Irrigation District that is within Kern County.
The TBWQC filed a Notice of Applicability to be the Third Party and was approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board on February 4, 2014.
Quick Links
Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
Background & Overview
Background & Overview
On September 19, 2013, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) adopted the initial General Order waste discharge requirements. which created the Coalitions. As of February 2020 revisions to the General Order plan have been adopted for all irrigated land landowners to protect ground and surface water from irrigated agricultural discharges for the Tulare Lake Basin area. Growers who irrigate agricultural lands for commercial purposes within the Tulare Lake Basin area must either join the Coalition if their property is within (map link here) or obtain coverage individually.
Requirements of Members part of the TBWQC can be found within General Order No. R5-2013-0120-08, and its revisions, and requirements that are common to a majority of members are briefly described below. For more information and to see the full list of revisions to the General Order.
What is ILRP?
Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) details and contact information
Tule Lake Basin General Order
The General Order for the TBWQC
Individual Order
General Order for Individuals that decide not to join a coalition (r5-2013-0100)
ILRP Website
This state waterboard website provides additional background information and resources.
Do I need to be in the Program?
HOW TO ENROLL
We will assist you in the process of signing up and will work to answer any questions you may have.
We will assist you in the process of signing up and will work to answer any questions you may have.
Fees
New 2020-2021 Membership Year fees are as follows:
- $4.00 per Irrigated acre
- $0.00 per fallow or non-irrigated acres
- $100 Participation Fee
Each year, landowners can adjust and update irrigated acres to reflect your farming practice for future year.
Leadership
