FARMERS FRET OVER FEDERAL WATER RULES

Some local farmers are worried about a recent court ruling that gives the feds more control over the water on their land.

The Waters of the US Rule regulates ditches, tributaries, flood plains and adjacent waters, and Kari Fisher with the California Farm Bureau says growers who pump in good faith could get smacked by regulators, who find puddles on their property covered by the rules. Current landowners are also now liable for violations of the Clean Water Act by previous owners.

Supporters of the rule say it’s needed to protect vulnerable waterways and drinking water from contamination.

The Farm Bureau says they’ll appeal the ruling but have set up an interactive map in the meantime to help you see if your water falls under the new federal rules:

FEDERAL WATER MAP

Kelli Pierce