Water Treatment Could Save Your Season — Here’s Why It Matters Now

With California’s summer season fast approaching, growers are preparing for the usual challenges: heat, labor, inputs—and, once again, water. But this year, the issue isn’t just about how much water is available. It’s about the quality of that water and the consequences of using it untreated.

Water treatment has long been a discussion point in California ag, but in 2025, it’s becoming a necessity. Between stricter state regulations, unpredictable weather, and degrading groundwater quality, untreated water can quickly lead to soil degradation, reduced yields, and even regulatory penalties.It also leads to higher maintenance costs, less efficient irrigation, and wasted energy during a time when pumping costs are already climbing.

A Shrinking Water Supply—And Lower Quality

According to the California Department of Water Resources, the state’s 2025 snowpack runoff is projected to be well below average. This puts additional pressure on groundwater sources—many of which are already compromised by nitrates, salts, and other contaminants.

The State Water Resources Control Board lists nitrate contamination as one of the most widespread groundwater issues in the San Joaquin and Salinas Valleys. While the nitrate issue is often linked to drinking water concerns, it also affects irrigation systems, impacting long-term soil health and crop viability.

High levels of sodium and bicarbonates, commonly found in untreated well water, reduce infiltration rates, create crusting, and tie up nutrients—issues that are amplified under summer heat stress. When these contaminants clog irrigation systems, the result is uneven water distribution, which can lead to stressed plants and rising input costs.

Politics at the Pump

Water in California has always been political, and 2025 is no exception. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration is continuing to push forward on nitrate management and groundwater enforcement through SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act). This means increased scrutiny for growers, particularly those relying on groundwater pumping.

In addition to regulatory pressure, growers are also facing higher energy costs to access that groundwater—making clean, efficient water application more important than ever.

Growers who can’t demonstrate a plan to manage nitrate levels, or who are irrigating with poor-quality water, may find themselves facing regulatory pressure on top of operational stress.

Why Water Treatment Pays Off

Water treatment can take many forms—filtration, acid injection, reverse osmosis—but all serve one purpose: protecting soil and crop health. Studies from UC Cooperative Extension have shown that water with a high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) significantly reduces soil permeability. Over time, this leads to waterlogging, poor root development, and ultimately, lower yields.

With pumping and fertilizer prices on the rise, efficient water use is non-negotiable. Treating water helps maximize fertilizer efficiency, improves infiltration, and supports stronger plant growth during extreme heat. In many cases, water treatment pays for itself by preventing long-term soil issues and improving input utilization.

Smart Water Solutions for a Changing Climate

For growers in the Central Valley, Central Irrigation has become a go-to partner for irrigation design and water treatment solutions. Their team works directly with growers to test water quality, install efficient treatment systems, and ensure everything is optimized for local soil conditions and crop needs. But their real value lies in helping growers avoid the hidden costs of inefficiency. Clogged lines, inconsistent distribution, and wasted pumping hours don’t just reduce yields—they eat into your bottom line.

Whether you're dealing with high bicarbonates, iron, or algae buildup, Central Irrigation provides customized treatment plans that help protect your soil health and prevent costly damage during peak season.

And with energy rates and water fees rising across the board, keeping your system clean and flowing properly is one of the smartest investments a grower can make.

Now is the time to get ahead of the curve. Central Irrigation’s proactive approach gives growers peace of mind before summer heat and water restrictions start compounding the problem.

Planning Ahead Is Key

The growers who act early will be the ones who stay ahead. Water treatment systems require time for testing, installation, and calibration. Waiting until June or July to address water quality often means missing the window to prevent damage during the most critical part of the growing season.

By acting now, you avoid the costly ripple effects of clogged systems, overwatering, or wasted energy. Evaluating water quality now, and implementing treatment strategies early, growers can safeguard their crops and position themselves to thrive—rather than react—in what is shaping up to be another complicated summer.

Looking Ahead

The intersection of water quality, regulation, and crop performance is becoming more complex in California agriculture. As politics continue to influence what happens at the farm gate, growers need to stay one step ahead. Water treatment isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting the long-term productivity of California’s farmland. Also with water and energy costs only going up, growers can’t afford to let preventable inefficiencies cut into their profits.