Graphic designed by Sea Grant Michigan

WEF, EPA Launch NSmart Program to Reduce Nutrients in Waterways

By WEF, Announcements

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.

Secondary treatment process at a water resource recovery facility. Photo by Paul Cockrell.

 The recognition levels of NSmart are: 

• Advocate: Participants working toward active engagement for nutrient reduction within their watershed via outreach. The facility is working toward implementing a nutrient reduction strategy that results in reductions between 30-69.9%. 
• Partner: This level is for WRRFs with a fully implemented nutrient reduction plan and that have an active outreach program. The utility can choose to focus on reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, or both. Tiers are divided based on percent nutrient reduction – Silver 70-84.9%, Gold 85-89.9% and Platinum 90%+ reduction. 
• Innovator: This recognition is a competition for utilities that are currently in the partner level. The facility can earn additional recognition for innovation related to nutrient reduction. Facilities will be evaluated against one another based on subdivisions of design flow rate. Innovator recognition falls into the categories of Treatment Technology and Leadership in Nutrient Management. 

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.