Water must be managed on the range as well as in the feedlot, to provide livestock with water free of toxics. While most municipalities have sewage treatment facilities much raw sewage or partially treated sewage seeps into our groundwater, lakes, rivers and oceans. Industrial pollution, both chemical and thermal, is a large source of water pollution. Surface runoff from both agricultural and residential areas often has high levels of nitrates and toxic chemicals. Water used in agriculture production seeps into the ground, returning to the water table, which is shared by agriculture, residential and industry alike.
Nitrates are by-products of fertilizers known to be related to development of cancer.
Many agricultural pesticides, and their toxic by-products, are slow to break down and can enter the water supply and be consumed by humans and animals. This can allow salty ocean and bay waters to seep into land and water usually flushed free of harmful salts. This is a major concern in California's Delta Region. Erosion of cultivated land can result in siltation of streams and rivers. This problem can be minimized by sound tillage and cultivation practices.