The Economic Times

In 1996, Illinois added Lake Decatur to its pollution list after farm runoff harmed its water. 28 years later, nitrogen levels fell below the 7.8 mg/L limit

Lake Decatur's water quality improved after implementing agricultural best management practices. Efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff continue to protect this vital resource. Grants funded watershed plans and structural best management practices for farmers. Monitoring shows promising trends for nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the lake. Continuous effort is needed to maintain water quality improvements for the future.