Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient and, at normal levels, it isn’t harmful. But elevated levels of phosphorus in water from all land uses including urbanization and agriculture can overload a body of water, creating toxic algal blooms under some summer conditions. Runoff from agricultural fields that collects in municipal drains is major source of phosphorus.

The Thames River Basin in Ontario covers an area of more than 16,000 square km's. Reducing phosphorus is a massive job that requires the co-operative efforts of many. That’s why the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative represents a wide variety of interested groups– including conservation authorities, farm groups, First Nations and environmental organizations as well as municipal, provincial and federal governments – who are collaborating to tackle the issue.

This project is focused specifically on:   - Examining, with our many partners, agricultural production practices and drainage solutions to prevent phosphorus loss at different points on the landscape - Investigating innovative designs for drainage systems - Evaluating technologies and equipment that remove and recover nutrients in drainage water - Addressing monitoring needs - Building a business case for additional funding to continue the work - Sharing all results with those who can use them.