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The efforts to abate agricultural nonpoint-source pollution require a mix of expertise and 

 program capability to implement effective water quality projects and conduct research. The 

 agencies are cooperating on water quality efforts to the extent their resources allow. 



We firmly believe the partnerships with agencies, agricultural communities, State 

 governments, and local people must be continued and improved. Federal and State 

 governments cannot implement water quality improvements without the support of the local 

 people and the agricultural community. This is the key reason for the watershed approach 

 and it must be fully supported by all Federal and State agencies. 



Our experience at USDA has taught us some valuable lessons: 



• First, patience. It takes time for water resources to respond to reduced nonpoint source 

 loads. Pollutants are stored in the soil profile and sediments, the water and in aquatic 

 biota. Adequate time must be allowed for these existing materials to be removed before 

 full recovery can be expected. 



• Second, rely on observable results. Given the amount of time it takes for water 

 resources to respond, often the first observable result is the adoption by farmers and 

 ranchers of practices known to reduce nonpoint-source loads. Observable changes in the 

 physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water will follow. 



• Third, on-farm application is essential. When farmers are able to relate their farming 

 activities to the water quality concern, they tend to be willing participants in the solution. 



• Fourth, program implementation can be enhanced at the local level with an appropriate 

 delivery system. 



