This project was made possible by the very generous support of an anonymous donor and
Pulling together a project of this size takes a lot of work. The help of Jayme Nelson, Katherine Hill and Kathryn Wagner from Inside Education was invaluable. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!
AC Atienza, Brendan Bate, Shannon Smithwick, Steff Stephansson, Kaleigh Watson, Andrew Wilson.
Eutrophication is the increase in the concentration of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, in a water body [1]. These nutrients can trigger events in the water body such as excessive growth of organisms such as algae in events called “algal blooms”. These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to aquatic life and humans, reduce underwater light levels which reduces photosynthesis and creates dead zones where oxygen levels are too low to support aquatic life. In sum, these various effects can collapse the local ecosystem [2].
Beyond the effect on the aquatic ecosystem, eutrophication can threaten human health by contaminating drinking water supplies [3] and requiring more expensive treatments to make the water drinkable.
Eutrophication is a growing global problem. A 2009 report [4] for the World Resources Institute noted that in 1960, 10 coastal dead zones had been documented. By 2008, the number of coastal dead zones was 405. Climate change is expected to make the eutrophication problem worse [5].
Eutrophication can arise naturally over time. However, more typically, it is the result of a sudden increase in nutrients resulting from human activities such as poor sewage management, industrialised forestry [6], urban run-off or agricultural run-off. Agricultural run-off is typically in the form of chemically manufactured fertiliser or untreated sewage. This results in water bodies receiving more nutrients than they can normally process. Natural eutrophication is a slow and gradual process, but human activities can accelerate it and this results in the explosive growth of algae [7].
Poor water use practices, including inefficient irrigation and over-extraction of water, can worsen eutrophication. Agriculture, which accounts for about 70% of global freshwater use [8], plays a significant role. In Africa and Asia, it is estimated that agriculture accounts for 85-90% of freshwater use [9]. In stark contrast, Canada’s agricultural water use is around 11% [10].
Inefficient irrigation methods result in runoff, which carries fertilizers and pesticides into nearby water bodies [11]. Over-extraction of water for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use lowers water levels, concentrating nutrients and pollutants, making water bodies more susceptible to eutrophication.
Urbanization often contributes to poor water practices. Impermeable surfaces such as roads, sidewalks and parking lots in urban areas increase runoff, which carries nutrients (and pollutants) from urban landscapes into water bodies. The lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities in many communities means that untreated or partially treated wastewater is often discharged into rivers and lakes, further enriching them with nutrients.
Community practices also significantly impact the health of water bodies. The use of human-made fertilizers and pesticides in residential areas contributes to nutrient runoff. Practices such as improper disposal of waste including manure and compost, and the lack of green infrastructure [12], such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, to absorb runoff exacerbate the problem.
Also, people living near water bodies often engage in activities that can directly contribute to eutrophication. These include recreational boating and fishing, which can increase erosion and runoff, and waterfront development, which often leads to shoreline habitat destruction and increased pollution.
Eutrophication is a complex issue with many possible causes, both natural and human-induced. Consequently, dealing with it and managing its harmful effects requires action on many fronts.
Sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming [13] or regenerative agriculture, can significantly reduce runoff by ensuring that fertilizers and water are used efficiently. Precision farming is, essentially, the intense use of data about factors such as soil moisture, fertiliser uptake, soil fertility and so on to allow for optimised application of water, fertilisers, and other inputs only where, when and in the amount needed. An example of this approach in practice in Canada is the “4R Nutrient Stewardship” program [14].
Cover cropping [15] and buffer zones , especially near riparian areas, can also prevent soil erosion and reduce nutrient runoff into waterways. Agricultural runoff management requires a careful analysis of water and pollutant flows and may require the creation of treatments such as vegetation filter strips or constructed wetlands [16] (pp.79-83).
Communities can play a vital role by adopting green infrastructure solutions that reduce runoff and by promoting the appropriate use of organic fertilizers (i.e. manure and compost ) and pesticides. Enhancing wastewater treatment processes to remove nutrients before they are discharged into water bodies is crucial. As is so often noted, prevention is better than cure.
Communities play a crucial role in combating eutrophication in lakes and rivers. By adopting sustainable practices and fostering environmental stewardship, communities can significantly reduce the influx of nutrients into water bodies. By implementing the following strategies, communities can significantly reduce the nutrient loads entering their lakes and rivers, thus mitigating eutrophication and its adverse effects. Active community involvement, coupled with strong policies and sustainable practices, can lead to healthier water bodies and ecosystems.
Communities can advocate for stronger regional, provincial, and national regulations on nutrient pollution, including limits on the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. It may also be possible to create fiscal and economic incentives (e.g. taxes, subsidies) which incentivise nutrient reducing activities.
At a more local level, communities can implement bylaws which:
Communities can support projects to restore wetlands and riparian buffer zones. Landowners can work with organisations such as Ducks Unlimited, Cows & Fish and ALUS in restoring wetlands on their land.
Restored riparian buffers along waterways are critical in intercepting surface runoff and providing habitat and biodiversity. Wetlands act as natural filters, trapping nutrients and sediments before they reach larger bodies of water (e.g. Vancouver’s constructed wetland on Lost Lagoon [24]). And, very helpfully, such areas can help with flood mitigation [25].
Communities can encourage the appropriate use of fertilisers through education campaigns focussed on proper amounts and timing of fertiliser use. Promoting the use of native plants in landscaping will reduce the need for fertilisers as the plants are adapted to local conditions. Such plants may also need less water and so reduce the risk of runoff.
Active community involvement, coupled with strong policies and sustainable practices, can lead to healthier water bodies and ecosystems.
By supporting and implementing the strategies identified above and others that may be more appropriate for your particular areas and issues, you can significantly contribute to the reduction of nutrient loads entering your lakes and rivers. By doing so, you will be helping to mitigate eutrophication and its adverse effects.
Become aware:
Arrange visits to local water bodies or nature centres where eutrophication can be observed. Guides can explain the process and its impact on the ecosystem.
Share this Post:
We provide Canadian educational resources on water practices to promote conservation and sustainability. Our team crafts current and relevant content, while encouraging feedback and engagement.
The Canada WaterPortal is a registered charity, #807121876RR0001
We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Indigenous Peoples and communities on whose land our work takes place.
© 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.