In general, those who work in agriculture have great respect for water quality.  After all, without good quality water, most farming and ranching in California wouldn't be possible. 

Still, it's important that farmers and ranchers be constantly vigilant about water quality.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:  

• Monitor the use of agricultural chemicals to keep them out of rivers and streams.  Consider using pesticide banding rather than overall application. 
  
  
• Make sure hoses have anti-backsiphoning devices when using irrigation water to mix fertilizers or agricultural chemicals. 
  
  
• Don't give livestock direct access to waterways.  Provide animals with troughs or other alternate sources of water.
  
  
• Take care to make sure that animal waste does not flow into streams and rivers.  
  
  
• Don't dam streams or divert water unnecessarily.  Steady creek flows help ensure against build-up of pollutants. 
  
  
• When washing vehicles and equipment, take care that waste water doesn't drain into nearby waterways. 
  
  
• Work to minimize erosion. Use contour planting wherever practical.  Plant cover crops in unused fields.  Use terracing where appropriate. Don't lose the land that's vital to you livelihood!
  
  
• Preserve native vegetation on creek banks whenever possible. Native plants help stabilize the banks and limit erosion problems.  
  
• Plant windbreaks to avoid soil loss due to wind scouring.
  
• Remember that water quality is everybody's business!