Nutrient loss affects Illinois and those downstream

The 2024 Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, Partnership Conference presents the latest updates to the NLRS and is open to Policy Working Group members, stakeholders, and the general public who are interested in the topic of reducing nutrient loss in Illinois. This includes those involved in the agriculture, point-source, and urban stormwater sectors. 

The conference is being held in person as well as online for remote participants. 

The Illinois NLRS is a statewide collaborative effort working to reduce the amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, entering Illinois waterways. The Illinois NLRS guides state efforts to improve water quality at home and downstream by nutrient levels in our lakes, streams, and rivers. The strategy lays out a comprehensive suite of best management practices for reducing nutrient loads from wastewater treatment plants and urban and agricultural runoff. Recommended activities target the state’s most critical watersheds and are based on the latest science and best-available technology. It also calls for more collaboration between state and federal agencies, cities, non-profits, and technical experts on issues such as water quality monitoring, funding, research, and outreach.

The NLRS is implemented through a partnership between the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and University of Illinois Extension. Learn more about Illinois NLRS at go.illinois.edu/NLRS.