Sources and Solutions

Learn more about how these sources contribute excess nitrogen and phosphorus to our environment, as well as solutions to curb their contributions:

• Agriculture: The nitrogen and phosphorus in animal manure and chemical fertilizers are necessary to grow crops. However, when these nutrients are not fully utilized by plants, they can leave farm fields and negatively impact air and downstream water quality.
• Stormwater: When precipitation falls on our cities and towns it runs across hard surfaces - like rooftops, sidewalks and roads - and carries pollutants, including nitrogen and phosphorus, into local waterways.
• Wastewater: Our sewer and septic systems are responsible for treating large quantities of waste, and these systems do not always operate properly or remove enough nitrogen and phosphorus before discharging into waterways.
• Fossil Fuels: Electric power generation, industry, transportation and agriculture have increased the amount of nitrogen in the air through burning of fossil fuels.
• In and Around the Home: Certain soaps and detergents, as well as yard fertilizers and pet waste contain nitrogen and phosphorus, which can contribute to nutrient pollution if not properly used or disposed. The amount of pavement and type of landscaping around homes can also increase the runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus during wet weather.