Agricultural runoff

When it rains, excess fertilizer and manure from farm fields flow into streams and rivers that feed the Great Lakes. This pollution fuels algal blooms that can make water toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

Visit our campaign page to learn about stopping agricultural pollution at the source. Learn more about agricultural runoff below.

Blog

May 18, 2026

Understanding Water Quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin

Nutrient pollution, largely driven by agricultural runoff, remains one of the most significant threats to water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin. When nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, […]

Press Release

April 7, 2026

New Public Dashboard Provides Data on Water Pollution Flowing into Lake Erie

CHICAGO, IL (April 7, 2026) – Today, the Alliance for the Great Lakes and its partners announced a new, publicly available dashboard that provides near real-time data about water quality […]

Blog

March 20, 2026

What the State of the Great Lakes Report Tells Us About Our Future 

Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in discussions around the release of the State of the Great Lakes (SOGL) Report. Sitting alongside scientists, federal agency representatives, community members, and regional […]

Webinar

February 25, 2026

Webinar: Washington Update: Protecting the Great Lakes and Looking Ahead to 2026

When it comes to our Great Lakes priorities, how are our representatives in Washington doing and where should they focus their efforts in 2026? Thanks to Great Lakes advocates like […]

Blog

February 10, 2026

Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2026

The federal government plays a critical role in protecting the Great Lakes. It’s responsible for funding projects, administering programs, and enforcing environmental safeguards. The Alliance for the Great Lakes advocates […]

DC Update

January 23, 2026

Congress protects Great Lakes programs from proposed cuts

The U.S. House and Senate recently passed a significant budget package that rejects steep cuts proposed by the White House that would have slashed many federal programs essential to the health of our lakes and the people who depend on them. Ultimately, […]

Blog

December 18, 2025

Win in Michigan: New Agriculture Pollution Rules on Nutrient Runoff

Winter has once again descended upon the Great Lakes region. What’s new this season in Michigan is a state ban on spreading manure on frozen fields. When manure is applied under frozen or saturated conditions, it cannot absorb into […]

Press Release

September 18, 2025

New Report: Nitrate Contamination Driving Health Crisis and Rising Costs in Wisconsin 

CHICAGO, IL (September 18, 2025) – Wisconsin faces a growing public health crisis from nitrate contamination in drinking water, according to a new report released today. Thousands of households are paying […]

Blog

August 21, 2025

Stronger Oversight Needed to Reduce Agricultural Pollution 

Large livestock operations, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), generate billions of gallons of manure and wastewater each year. Without strong safeguards, this waste pollutes rivers, fuels toxic algal […]

DC Update

July 17, 2025

Critical Months Ahead for the Great Lakes in Congress 

On July 4th, President Donald Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or “OBBBA.” Now that OBBBA is law, the focus in Congress turns to funding the […]