Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP)

The ILRP was initiated to prevent agricultural runoff from impairing surface waters, and later included the addition of groundwater regulations. Runoff from irrigated crop lands can contain pollutants, such as pesticides, fertilizers, salts, and sediment, which can harm aquatic life or make water unusable for human consumption. It is a program that issues permits – Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) - and conducts compliance activities, to ensure growers adhere to Central Valley Water Board regulations. Waste discharge requirements (WDRs) address irrigated agricultural discharges to protect water quality.