Final Management Zone Plan (FMZP) — We Want Your Input!
Valley Water Collaborative (VWC) is a local nonprofit that works with communities, agencies, and partners to help protect drinking water and address nitrate in groundwater.
In many parts of the Central Valley, people rely on groundwater for drinking water. In some areas, that groundwater has nitrate, which can make water unsafe to drink. Because nitrate cannot be seen, tasted, or boiled out, testing and planning are important to protect public health. This is why this plan is needed.
VWC is addressing nitrate in groundwater in the following groundwater subbasins (also called Management Zones): Yolo, Delta-Mendota, Eastern San Joaquin, Madera, and Merced. These areas cover much of Yolo, San Joaquin, Merced, and Madera Counties.
We are sharing our draft Final Management Zone Plan (FMZP) for public review and input.
Please take time to read the plan and tell us what you think.
What This Plan Is About
- How VWC will help make sure households with high nitrate in their domestic wells have access to safe drinking water
- A summary of groundwater quality and descriptions of the groundwater basins to help identify where nitrate is a problem and where improvements are needed
What This Means for People with Domestic Wells
- Free well water testing may be available in your area
(find out by filling out an application here! )
- If your well has too much nitrate, interim drinking water (such as bottled water or other options) may be provided while long-term solutions are developed
What This Means for Local Partners and Stakeholders
- Households in your community may qualify for well testing and bottled water — please help spread the word
How to Comment
- Read the draft FMZP and share your ideas, concerns, or support
- Email your comments to: [email protected]
- Due by: Friday January 30th, 2026
Your voice matters.
Please participate in the public comment period and help us make this plan stronger for our communities.
