An education and awareness campaign about the impacts of nutrient pollution on water quality and the collective strategies people and communities can do to mitigate these environmental problems.
Through DU’s partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and BFA Engineering, we aim to increase awareness among urban and rural residents of Missouri about the Gulf hypoxic zone.
Water is at the heart of life in Missouri, from the rivers that shape our landscape to the wetlands that support wildlife and the water that flows from our taps. But this vital resource is under growing pressure. Understanding why water quality matters is the first step toward protecting it, for our families, our farms, and our future.
Missouri’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds are essential for our communities, farms, and wildlife. From the mighty Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to the Osage and countless smaller streams, clean water is essential for healthy ecosystems, thriving communities, and resilient landscapes.
Unfortunately, excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, urban development, and stormwater are polluting our waterways. These nutrients fuel HABS, reduce water quality, degrade fish and wildlife habitat, and threaten drinking water supplies.
Protecting water quality isn’t just an environmental goal; it’s vital for the health of Missouri’s people, land, and wildlife, including the wetlands and waterfowl that Ducks Unlimited works to conserve.
Nutrient pollution has become one of the nation’s costliest and most challenging environmental problems. Over the past 50 years, the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants entering our nation’s waters has increased. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus can negatively impact human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.
Nutrient Pollution causes Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in local water bodies and coastal systems. These blooms can be toxic to people and animals, impacting recreation and drinking water safety. When they die, their decomposition uses all the oxygen in the water, leading to areas of water where very few fish or other wildlife can live.
31 states plus two Canadian Provinces drain into the Mississippi River, totaling 41% of the contiguous United States and 15% of North America.
Nutrient pollution of the Mississippi River is the leading cause of the formation of hypoxia in the Gulf of America. Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in water, happens when there isn’t enough dissolved oxygen to support most aquatic life—like fish, crabs, and shrimp. These low-oxygen areas are often called “Dead Zones” because larger marine life can’t survive
Via NASA: An animation of the flows along the rivers of the Mississippi watershed. This animation does not show actual flow rates of the rivers. All rivers are shown with identical rates. The river colors and widths correspond to the relative lengths of river segments. Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio & Horace Mitchell
Nutrient pollution is not just an environmental issue. It affects public health, local economies, and the way we live each day. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in our water can create ripple effects that impact families, communities, and essential services.
Overapplication of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, especially during heavy rains, leads to runoff that carries nutrients into nearby rivers and lakes.
Livestock manure, if not managed properly, is a rich source of nitrogen and phosphorus. When not stored or applied correctly, it can enter waterways through runoff.
Poorly managed irrigation practices can cause excess nutrients to leach into groundwater or run off into surface water, contributing to nutrient pollution.
Overapplication of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, especially during heavy rains, leads to runoff that carries nutrients into nearby rivers and lakes.
Livestock manure, if not managed properly, is a rich source of nitrogen and phosphorus. When not stored or applied correctly, it can enter waterways through runoff.
Poorly managed irrigation practices can cause excess nutrients to leach into groundwater or run off into surface water, contributing to nutrient pollution.
Clean water is essential to the success of Ducks Unlimited’s mission. Our work to conserve wetlands and support healthy waterfowl populations depends on water systems that are free from harmful pollutants. Protecting water quality ensures that our habitat restoration efforts deliver long-term results for wildlife and people alike.
Help Improve Missouri’s Water
Improving water quality in Missouri is a shared responsibility, and lasting change starts with individual action. Whether you are a landowner, a resident, or simply someone who cares about clean water and healthy habitats, there are meaningful ways to make a difference.
Ducks Unlimited’s efforts are made possible through collaboration with state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and private partners. Together, we’re advancing water quality, restoring wetlands, and supporting healthy habitats across Missouri.
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