The Central Coast Water Quality Control Board forum came in advance of a March 15 hearing in San Luis Obispo, where the board will consider controversial agricultural runoff rules, known as the agricultural order. The board heard comments and asked questions, but did comment as they will at next month's hearing.

The control board's decision will affect lands spanning 300 miles of the Central Coast, future drinking water supplies and the region's agricultural industry, which brings in about $6 billion in annual revenue. Environmental groups urged the board to adopt the regulations, while growers proposed an alternative path to clean water.

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