Nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorous are essential for healthy plants and animals. Occurring naturally in the environment, nutrients are contained in the food that we eat, the fertilizers that we apply to our farms and the rivers that supply our drinking water. Without nutrients, life as we know it would not exist.
Unfortunately, with respect to nutrients, there can be too much of a good thing. In excessive amounts, nutrients may render a waterbody unfit for important uses such as fish consumption, potable or agricultural water supply, and recreation.
