There’s bad news for U.S. waterways in the EPA’s latest National Lakes Assessment: nutrient pollution is widespread,with 4 in 10 lakes suffering from too much nitrogen and phosphorus.
Nutrient pollution is one of America’s most widespread and costly environmental and public health challenges. Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms, lower oxygen levels, degraded habitat for fish and other life, and lower water quality for recreation. The assessment also found an algal toxin – microcystin – in 39 percent of lakes but below levels of concern. Low concentrations of the herbicide atrazine were found in 30 percent of lakes.