Water

Blog Posts

Farmers talking during a panel discussion in Knox County.

Edge-of-field considerations: A farmer perspective

September 10, 2024

Edge-of-field practices help reduce nutrient loss, improve wildlife habitats, and support long-term farm sustainability. A farmer panel hosted in...

Phosphorus and streambanks: a battle for cleaner waterways

August 12, 2024

Streams are an integral part of our ecosystem. They provide a source of drinking water and an important habitat for aquatic life, but they also drain...

Ensuring optimal water quality for livestock

July 30, 2024

As high summer temperatures continue, it is important to ensure water quality levels are in the appropriate range. Beef cattle require one-to-two...

suburban house with small trees landscaped around it

Remember summer care for your trees

June 24, 2024

Welcome to summer! The heat, periodic drought, and summer storms can really take a toll on your trees. Here are some tips on how you can help your...

More Blogs

News Releases

September 12, 2024

The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...

A rain garden with pink flowering plants between sidewalks

August 7, 2024

Green infrastructure flood prevention training is a natural solution for natural disasters
URBANA, Ill. — When floods happen, communities are forever changed. University of Illinois Extension is rising to meet the challenge by developing a program that trains municipalities how to maintain nature-based solutions that supplement their stormwater infrastructure. Floods are...

July 5, 2024

Take steps to reduce exposure to PFAS chemicals
URBANA, Ill. — PFAS are chemicals commonly found in consumer goods that are making their way into drinking water supplies where they are a risk to human health, but there are steps people can take to protect themselves.PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of more than 15...

A sunset over flowering prairie plants on the edge of a field

May 15, 2024

Farmers share real-life experiences of using edge-of-field conservation practices
GALESBURG, Ill. — When it comes to farming, experience is often the best teacher. This June, producers can get answers to their questions about installing edge-of-field conservation practices by connecting with farmers who have first-hand knowledge at the Cultivating Conversations: How and Why...

More News

Videos

What is a Saturated Buffer and How Does it Work to Improve Water Quality?

Saturated buffers are an edge-of-field option farmers can apply to reduce the amount of nitrogen runoff in water leaving their fields. Illinois Extension watershed outreach associates explain how bioreactors work to remove nitrogen and improve water quality.

Empower Illinois: Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Pollution and Protect Waterways

The lakes, streams, and rivers of Illinois are vital for drinking water, wildlife, recreation, fishing, and industry, and everyone has a role in safeguarding water here and downstream.

Explore what nutrient pollution is by learning about the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,...