Water pollution is a problem that can cause harmful effects on the ecology of an area and also serious risks to public health. These can range from short to long term effects and the source of these contaminants can come from multiple locations with many variations in concentration. In this article I will address agricultural pollution from nonpoint sources, specifically the introduction of large amounts of phosphorus into Lake Erie via fertilizers. Phosphorus pollution has long been a problem in and around Lake Erie. In the past it was believed that this resulted from industrial means; for example, factories and sewage treatment plants, but national and state governments have helped mediate the issue by implementing large cuts in phosphorus pollution from these sources. However, in recent years algal blooms caused by this surplus of phosphorus have increased at an alarming rate. Recent reports published by the International Joint Commission show that fertilizers washed away by rain from farms and lawns are starting to be the main source of pollution in the lake. Specifically the agricultural fields along the Maum...