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Nutrients: Too much of a good thing Plants and animals need nutrients to survive and grow. However, too many nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, can make our water unhealthy. When a water body receives more nutrients than it needs, oxygen levels can fall, which harms fish and other aquatic life. This nutrient pollution can also harm human health, including a risk of cancer from exposure to nutrient by-products. Excess nutrients come from farm animal waste, fertilizers, human sewage, cars, coal-burning power plants and stormwater runoff from sprawling development and highways. According to the EPA, excess nutrients have already harmed waters in nearly ever state.
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Too much algae in our waters can lead to fish kills and diminish the value of our rivers, lakes, and streams. With help from the EPA, states across the nation are now developing numeric water quality standards for two major nutrients—nitrogen and phosphorous. These standards will limit polluting discharges and help areas develop cleanup plans for their waters.