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Water: Nutrients

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution

too much Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Nitrogen and Phosphorus comes from many sources

learn what you can do



Quick Finder  
About N and P Pollution Current Efforts Developing State Criteria Effects of N and P Pollution Glossary Hypoxia, Anoxia, and HABs N and P Pollution Data Access Tool Related Links State Progress Take Action The Problem What EPA and the States are Doing Where N and P Pollution Occurs Where You Live Why This Is Happening

About Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution

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Nitrogen and phosphorus (also referred as nutrients) are natural elements in the environment that are essential for plant and animal growth, maintenance and reproduction. However, the contamination of water by too much nitrogen and phosphorus is a growing concern in the United States. The site is designed to provide basic information about nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, sources, and how people can take action to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that they generate. If you want to learn more, visit the links to general and region-specific waterbody and nitrogen and phosphorus pollution information.

Developing Numeric Nutrient Criteria

Map of the United States showing ecoregions.

This section is targeted to states. EPA encourages states to develop and adopt numeric criteria to address nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Find the resources EPA has made available to facilitate this process.


Status of State Criteria Development

Map of the United States  showing progress toward Clean Water Act adopted numeric nutrient criteria.

Which states have developed numeric nutrient criteria? Which states have not? Learn more about the progress of state criteria development.

BANNER PHOTO CREDITS (left to right):
Too much nitrogen and phosphorus pollution can harm waterbodies: 4th photo (NOAA)
Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution comes from many different sources: 2nd photo (USDA NRCS); 3rd photo (Todd Andraski)
Learn what you can do to help: 4th photo (USDA NRCS)

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