In 2010, the state was among the first in the nation to adopt specific, measurable standards for how much phosphorous could be released into state waters.

"Progressively tighter standards under the federal Clean Water Act have reduced phosphorous pollution from industry and sewage plants. Now the majority of nutrient pollution originates on farms. Runoff is relatively inexpensive to control, but state and federal laws don’t set the same clear-cut limits for agriculture as they do for industry."Farmers are offered financial incentives for voluntary efforts such as erosion prevention, which can be accomplished by planting cover crops near stream banks or by rotating crops."