The loss of nutrients into Illinois’ lakes, streams, and rivers harms water quality here and downstream all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, was established in 2015 and is designed to reduce nutrient pollution in Illinois’ waterways and the Mississippi River and its negative impacts by exploring and recommending practical, research-based nutrient loss practices and collaborating with partners across the state.  

The 2023 NLRS Biennial Report, now available at go.illinois.edu/NLRS, is the latest update to the strategy. It documents water quality updates and initiatives for 2021–22 that reduce the loss of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus across three sectors: agricultural, wastewater treatment facilities, and urban stormwater. The report also stresses the multifaceted challenges of confronting increasing nutrient loads in Illinois waterways. 

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