Nutrients in NC

In North Carolina and other areas of the U.S., excess nutrients from fertilizers, agricultural and urban runoff, and industrial pollution have led to algal blooms, fish kills, and damaged ecosystems.  It can also increase water treatment costs and support the growth of toxic algae.

North Carolina has developed several strategies to better manage nutrients and keep them from leading to such problems.  Formal efforts from the state gained momentum in the late 1990’s with the passage of nutrient reduction strategies in the Neuse followed by the Tar-Pamlico Basin.  Most recently, the State passed rules for improving the Jordan Lake (2009) and Falls Lake (2011).  The goal for these rules is to reduce nutrient runoff to help clean waters and reduce the nutrient related water quality problems (e.g., excess algae and fish kills).

Watershed Investments works to support these strategies through more cost-efficient options that help meet the State’s nutrient reduction requirements.  This is a challenge that the state needs to meet to have an environment we can enjoy now and into the future.