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

Building Toward a Cleaner Water Supply

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. Learn more...

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.