The Water Environment Federation (WEF), in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has launched the NutrientSmart (NSmart) program to help reduce nutrient loadings in waterways and recognize the water utilities that are leaders and innovators.
NSmart will begin as a pilot program and encourage the adoption of enhanced nutrient management practices by water utilities and distribute information on tools and methods for lowering nutrients.
“Water utilities can play a vital role in lowering nutrient levels in waterways across the United States and WEF has launched NSmart to assist in these efforts,” says WEF President Jamie Eichenberger. “We look forward to recognizing leading utilities for their work and innovation through this program.”
To participate in the NSmart program, utilities must demonstrate intent or actions toward enhanced nutrient management. The program has a component for utility-community engagement through outreach and for reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, or both. Additionally, the program recognizes utilities implementing an innovative strategy to achieve those reductions.
The recognition levels of NSmart are:
For more information visit www.wef.org/NSMART.
Originally appeared in the November 2021 issue of Water Environment & Technology magazine. Reprinted with permission from the Water Environment Federation. All rights reserved.