MPCA phosphorus strategy

Controlling phosphorus is an important part of protecting Minnesota's water resources. Phosphorus is the primary pollutant associated with the eutrophication of our surface waters. Excess phosphorus causes nuisance algae blooms and reduced water transparency, making waters unsuitable for swimming or other activities.

Phosphorus comes from both point and nonpoint sources. Point sources consist mainly of municipal and industrial wastewater discharges. Nonpoint sources include runoff from agricultural fields, feedlots, urban areas and on-site sewage treatement systems.

Several changes have taken place since March 28, 2000, when the MPCA Citizens' Board adopted a strategy for addressing phosphorus in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, and the MPCA is currently in the process of adopting new eutrophication standards for river systems through rulemaking.  New content will be available on this page in the future.

For more information

For more information about the MPCA phosphorus strategy, contact Steve Weiss at the MPCA (651-757-2814 or 1-800-657-3864).