Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy logo
Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Data Portal
Logo
Illinois waterway

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, is a statewide, collaborative effort working to reduce the amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, entering Illinois waterways.

This website details the efforts and investments made by NLRS partners and stakeholders across the state to reduce nutrient loss from the agricultural, point source, and urban stormwater sectors.

Learn More
Illinois waterway
Aerial view of the Illinois River, courtesy Joseph Norton and Ronald Frazier
Lake Defiance at Moraine Hills State Park By Holly Hudson

TOPIC AREAS: WATER QUALITY & NUTRIENT SOURCES

Water Quality
Water Quality
Agricultural & Non-Point Sources
Agricultural & Non-Point Sources
Point Sources
Point Sources
Urban Stormwater
Urban Stormwater

Our work centers on four critical areas affecting Illinois waterways. The Illinois NLRS tracks and shares updates on:

  • Water Quality - Nutrient loads and trends in Illinois rivers.
  • Agricultural & Non-Point Sources - Implemented conservation practices and programs that support nutrient loss reduction from agricultural non-point sources.
  • Point Sources - Nutrient reduction efforts from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Urban Stormwater - Green infrastructure practices that address nutrient loss from urban landscapes.

INTERACTIVE DATA MAPS

Water Quality
Alt Text
Agricultural & Non-Point Sources
Alt Text
Point Sources
Alt Text
Urban Stormwater
Alt Text

Explore spatial data and track nutrient reduction efforts using NLRS interactive maps.

These maps visualize water quality, agricultural non-point sources, point source, and urban stormwater trends across Illinois.

Our goal is to provide clear, actionable data to support informed decisions and collaborative strategies for improving Illinois waterways.

STAY INFORMED

Visit the websites below for more information about the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

Important News
Upcoming Events
llinois EPA NLRS Website / Past Reports
University of Illinois Extension Nutrient Loss Reduction Website
EPA Hypoxia Task Force
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Illinois Department of Agriculture
University of Illinois Extension | National Center for Supercomputing Applications
The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center

The Illinois NLRS is a collaborative partnership that includes the University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and many other organizations

Contact Us

University of Illinois Extension

Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

Urbana, IL 61801

1-217-244-7298

NLRS@illinois.edu

© State of Illinois

Website Last Updated: 4/19/2025