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Central Valley Drinking Water Contamination

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 (Sasha Khokha/KQED)

Californians living in the state’s agricultural regions are at risk of drinking water contaminated with harmful levels of nitrates, according to a new UC Davis report. Linked with thyroid illnesses and some cancers, nitrate contamination largely comes from chemical fertilizer and animal manure. We discuss the extent and cost of the problem, as well as potential solutions.

Guests:

Thomas Harter, UC Davis groundwater hydrologist and the study's lead author

Sasha Khokha, Central Valley bureau chief for KQED News

Maria Herrera, community outreach coordinator for the Community Water Center

Danny Merkley, water resources director for the California Farm Bureau Federation

Jessica Sanchez, a young woman expecting her first child whose water is nitrate-contaminated

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