Water Conservation Flashcards
What is WOTUS?
Waters of the United States, amendment to the Clean Waters Act that established federal jurisdiction over navigable waters
What is the Clean Waters Act?
Conservation policies to help farmers reduce erosion, enhance water supplies, etc.
What is the Conservation Reserve Program?
land conservation program by FSA that exchanges a yearly rental payment with farmers who agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from production
New Rules of WOTUS
Step 1–expands federal governments regulatory reach over private land use
Step 2–was supposed to be decided in 2022
Criticism of new WOTUS rules?
Muddies the clarity of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
Ex. A farmer can rack up civil fines and criminal penalties if he misjudges the use of a ditch
Why are water rights important for farmers?
- Water must be of suitable quality to irrigate crops
- Provide drinking water for livestock
How does agriculture negatively impact water?
- excessive irrigation can cause erosion
- runoff can poison water quality (pathogens like bacteria and viruses from manure)
What are some water conservation programs in the US?
The Farmable Wetlands Program
Source Water Protection Program
What is the Source Water Protection Program?
Program that allows rural citizens to partner w/ NRCS and FSA to identify areas where pollution prevention is most needed to create a Rural Source Water Protection Plan
What is the Farmable Wetlands Program?
USDA program that’s designed to restore previously farmed wetlands to vegetation and water flow. Aims to restore up to 1 million acres.
Why is FWP important?
- improves groundwater quality
- traps and breaks down pollutants
- prevents soil erosion
