Purdue University coordinates the Nutrients and Water Quality
Theme for the Great Lakes Regional Water Program.

FEATURED INITIATIVES

planting cover crops to protect water quality
This project has yielded data that have become the basis for discussions with Michigan and Ohio livestock producers regarding the adoption of new manure management practices that protect surface and groundwater from manure contamination. Read more.....

removal and recycling of phosphorous from wastewater
This initiative created an umbrella project to research and provide outreach/education on phosphorus removal and recycling of onsite generated wastewater and animal manure from agricultural facilities. Read more....

reducing nitrate loads using drainage water management
This multi-faceted project seeks to establish drainage water management as an integral part of agricultural production. The research portion of this project focuses on watershed-scale analysis of the potential of drainage water management to reduce nitrate loading. Education and outreach efforts help producers and contractors understand drainage management techniques and benefits. Read more.....

drainage water bulletin
The Drainage Water Management for the Midwest bulletin, used in workshops and trainings, at field days, and by agency staff across the Region, is currently in its second printing. The bulletin synthesizes current research on drainage water management technologies that reduce nitrate loss and provide the information in an accessible form. Read more...

promoting new partnerships and cover crop choices in the great lakes region
Innovations in Cover Crops and Perenniality, a multi-state cover crop summit hosted by Michigan State University’s Kellogg Biological Station brought together researchers, educators and farmers from the Great Lakes States and Iowa. Read more....

minnesota onsite sewage treatment
This program trains approximately 2,000 professionals each year in the design, inspection, installation and maintenance of onsite sewage systems. This results in informed homeowners using the best management practices, communities finding cost-effective solutions, public funding agencies resolving more problems with limited resources and improved protection of invaluable human and natural resources. Read more about this
and other Minnesota programs within the Nutrients and Water Quality Theme.

agricultural drainage management strategies to reduce nitrate loading to surface water
The focus of this Illinois project is to manage drainage water to minimize nitrate losses while maximizing crop yield. Several workshops, seminars and presentations have been held across Illinois discussing the concept, in collaboration with NRCS. Read more about this and other Illinois projects within the Nutrients and Water Quality Theme.

atrazine in drinking water
The Pesticide Watershed Work Group is an interagency work group whose mission is to promote pesticide stewardship in Indiana, in order to protect water quality and retain the ability to use pesticides. The group works with representatives from a number of public drinking water systems that use surface water sources.
Read more about this and other Indiana projects within the Nutrients and Water Quality Theme.

nutrient applicators training program
This statewide education program in Ohio focuses on organizing and educating manure nutrient applicators and animal producers will assist producers, brokers and applicators to navigate the complex set of rules and regulations that impact them.
Read more about this program.....

discovery farms
Discovery Farms are a network of real working Wisconsin farms in different geographic areas facing different environmental challenges. They work with researchers at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-Stevens Point to evaluate nutrient management strategies and practices aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution while protecting farm profitability. Read more about this program.....