Nitrate Reduction Plan
Many partners, including the Department of Ecology, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and Yakima County, worked together to create the Nitrate Reduction Plan to serve communities and protect the environment in the Lower Yakima Valley. This working plan lays out what each agency will do to continue supporting residents and protecting groundwater. We are seeking feedback to help us develop the next version of the plan.
Nitrate Reduction Plan for the Lower Yakima Valley GWMA
In 2021, local and state partners started working with the EPA to develop a clear plan to reduce nitrate pollution in groundwater in the Lower Yakima Valley. The team's goal is to make sure people have clean water to drink and cook with.
For several years, we have already been collaborating with other agencies and Lower Valley communities to educate residents on health impacts of nitrate, test wells, provide bottled water, and implement early recommendations to reduce nitrate levels.
The Nitrate Reduction Plan is the next step in this process. It lays out what each agency will do to continue supporting residents and protecting groundwater. The plan helps us set priorities, remain transparent with the public, and coordinate with decision makers to ensure water in the Lower Yakima Valley is safe to drink.
We want your feedback
We welcome feedback to help us develop the next version of the plan. Specifically, we are interested in your ideas on what additional strategies, resources, or expertise could assist the state agencies with implementing this plan. Your input helps guide our work and ensure we are on the right track. This is informal feedback and we will not provide written responses.
We are accepting feedback from 12 a.m. on Sept. 25 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2027
- Comment online
- Comment by mail:
Department of Ecology,
ATTN: Water Quality Program
1250 W. Alder St
Union Gap, WA 98903
Our partners
We are a partnership of local and state agencies working together for safe drinking water in the Lower Yakima Valley.
Related links
Contact information
Damon Roberts
Water Quality Regional Manager
damon.roberts@ecy.wa.gov
509-823-9626