Phosphorus Education Library

Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires states to identify impaired bodies of water. Sections of the Des Plaines River continue to remain on the Illinois 303(d) List for Total Phosphorus and phosphorus-related impairments. To address phosphorus pollution, the Illinois EPA requires Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) upstream from phosphorus-impaired water bodies to have a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan (NARP). DRWW submitted its NARP to the Illinois EPA in December 2023. DRWW’s NARP Implementation looks to “encourage and distribute educational materials focused on the impacts of phosphorus” (Table 5). DRWW members compiled materials to address this NARP goal and fulfill the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit Minimum Control Measure to provide educational materials on targeted residential and commercial issues (Part IV.B.1.a.iii).

Click here for DRWW’s Phosphorus Factsheet!

Residential Resources

HOA Resources

Living with Wetlands (PDF)LCSMC Citizen Guide to Stormwater Ponds (PDF)

Homeowner Lawn & Garden

Dont P On Your Lawn Handout (PDF)Pet Waste Management (PDF)
Phosphorus Education Handout (PDF)Phosphorus Education Social Media Post (PDF)
Phosphorus Pamphlet (PDF)Stormwater Smart in the Suburbs Brochure (PDF)
Stormwater Smart in the City Brochure (PDF)Stormwater Tip Sheet for Lawn Care (PDF)
Fertilizer and Pesticide Guidelines (PDF) Fertilizer and Pesticide Options (PDF)
Riparian Landowners
Living on the Waters Edge (PDF)Riparian Area Management Citizen's Guide (PDF)

Stormwater & Flooding

After the Storm (PDF)EPA Stormwater Infographic 1EPA Stormwater Infographic 2

 

Industrial & Commercial Resources

Landscaping & Lawn Care

Landscaping and Lawn Care BMPs (PDF)Pet Waste Management BMPs (PDF)Living with Wetlands (PDF)

Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping

Nutrient Pollution Factsheet (PDF)Municipal Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping (PDF)
Nutrient Pollution Postcard (PDF)Stormwater Landscape Swales (PDF)

Stormwater & Flooding

After the Storm (PDF)Storm Drain System Cleaning BMPs (PDF)
EPA Stormwater Infographic 1EPA Stormwater Infographic 2

Street Sweeping & Leaf Litter

Parking Lot and Street Sweeping BMPs (PDF)
Example Street Sweeping Plans & Practices
Recommended Street Sweeping Practices (PDF)City of Woodbury, MN Sweeping Plan (PDF)
Street Sweeping Benefits Northbrook, IL (PDF)Street Sweeping Plan Northbrook, IL (PDF)