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Building Toward a Cleaner Water Supply

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Satellite image of an algal bloom in western Lake Erie. (Photo by MERIS/NASA; processed by NOAA/NOS/NCCOS).
Satellite image of an algal bloom in western Lake Erie. (Photo by MERIS/NASA; processed by NOAA/NOS/NCCOS).

The USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL) is on a mission to protect our nation’s water resources. Since 2002, NSERL scientists in West Lafayette, IN, have been studying how agriculture can impact water quality in rivers and lakes. 

The St. Joseph River watershed, a major source of water flowing into Lake Erie, has been the focus of more recent NSERL water quality research. Lake Erie is struggling with harmful algae blooms caused by too much dissolved phosphorus. 

According to Chris Renschler, Research Leader for NSERL in West Lafayette, IN, NSERL scientists are working to help uncover why this is happening and how to fix Lake Erie’s water quality. 

“Researchers are using sensors, long-term monitoring stations, and hands-on field experiments to track how soil and nutrients travel through waterways, such as Lake Erie,” he said. “Their work supports local conservation strategies and large national programs like the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) at NSERL led by Mark Williams. Most importantly, this research provides the data U.S. farmers rely on to protect water quality.”

NSERL Technician Scott McAfee takes water quality samples as part of the USDA-ARS NRCS CEAP project. (Photo by Chris Renschler, ARS research leader and soil scientist).
NSERL Technician Scott McAfee takes water quality samples as part of the USDA-ARS NRCS CEAP project. (Photo by Chris Renschler, ARS research leader and soil scientist).

Through their research, the ARS and collaborating scientists have found that underground tile drains act like hidden highways, which carry sediment and nutrients straight into streams. 

“To improve water quality, NSERL scientists are testing creative conservation tools, like blind inlets and phosphorus removal structures. These structures developed by NSERL scientist Chad Penn filter out sediment and nutrients before it can reach streams and rivers,” Renschler said. “Their computer models can show how conservation practices will reduce soil loss and water pollution now … and how future weather patterns also affect local water resources.”

NSERL’s work, both current and long-term, is important to American farmers because their research allows soil and nutrients to remain on farmer’s fields, while maintaining clean rivers and waterways. It also helps keep Lake Erie’s algae blooms in check. 

Renschler adds that with new research underway regarding legacy nutrients and improved conservation technologies, “the future of clean water is looking brighter than ever.” --ARS Office of Communications (Tami Faram)

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