Water Quality Management Plan Research Articles

Drought impact on pharmaceuticals in surface waters in Europe: Case study for the Rhine and Elbe basins

Hydrological droughts are expected to increase in frequency and severity in many regions due to climate change. Over the last two decades, several droughts occurred in Europe, including the 2018-drought, which showed major adverse impacts for nature and different sectoral uses (e.g. irrigation, drinking water). While drought impacts on water quantity are well studied, little understanding exists on the impacts on water quality, particularly regarding pharmaceutical concentrations in surface waters. This study investigates the impact of the 2018-drought on concentrations of four selected pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac and metoprolol) in surface waters in Europe, with a major focus on the Elbe and Rhine rivers. Monitoring data were analysed for the period of 2010–2020 to estimate the spatiotemporal patterns of pharmaceuticals and assess the concentration responses in rivers during the 2018-drought compared to reference years. Our results indicate an overall deterioration in water quality, which can be attributed to the extremely low flow and higher water temperatures (∼ + 1.5 °C and + 2.0 °C in Elbe and Rhine, respectively) during the 2018-drought. Our results show an increase in the concentrations of carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, and metoprolol, but reduced concentrations of diclofenac during the 2018-drought. Significant increases in carbamazepine concentrations (+45 %) were observed at 3/6 monitoring stations in the upstream part of the Elbe, which was mainly attributed to less dilution of chemical loads from wastewater treatment plants under drought conditions. However, reduced diclofenac concentrations could be attributed to increased degradation processes under higher water temperatures (R2 = 0.60). Moreover, the rainfed-dominated Elbe exhibited more severe water quality deterioration than the snowmelt-dominated Rhine river, as the Elbe's reduction in dilution capacity was larger. Our findings highlight the need to account for the impacts of climate change and associated increases in droughts in water quality management plans, to improve the provision of water of good quality for ecosystems and sectoral needs.

Evaluation of groundwater quality indices using multi-criteria decision-making techniques and a fuzzy logic model in an irrigated area

The quality of water for irrigation presents a fundamental challenge to the sustainability of agricultural practices. This study, conducted in the Ras Jbel (RJ) aquifer of Tunisia, aims to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for both drinking and irrigation purposes and to identify regions suitable for agriculture. In this research, various indices were employed, including water quality index (WQI), entropy water quality index (EWQI), and Fuzzy logic for irrigation water quality index (FLIWQ). The conventional irrigation indices, such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), sodium percentage (Na%), Kelly's ratio (KR), permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and potential salinity (PS) were converted into fuzzy membership and produced dry and wet seasons maps. The dry and wet season fuzzy logic maps were used as input for final FLIWQI. Eighty-nine groundwater samples were collected from shallow wells and analyzed for major cations and anions. Most parameters exceeded the recommended values for drinking, according to both WHO and Tunisian standards, across all samples. The results of the WQI and EWQI indicated that, during the wet season, over 90% and 86% of the water samples were classified as poor and very poor quality, respectively, compared to 93.33% and 49% during the dry season. For IWQI, the wet season fuzzy logic map suggests 55.57% groundwater suitability, mainly in the central area. In the dry season, the map indicates 41.11% suitability for irrigation. The FLIWQI map confirms that the groundwater in the central part of the study area is suitable for agriculture. This study can help decision-makers initiate efficient water quality management plans in similar water-scarce environments worldwide.

Assessment of aquatic ecological health: A comparative study between cistern-made and ‘Natural’ earthen-made waterbody

Ecological health of two waterbodies i.e., cistern-made and ‘natural’ earthen-made waterbody was compared in the present study based on temporal variations of physicochemical and biological parameters. Number of physicochemical parameters [transparency, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA), biochemical oxygen demands (BOD), nitrate, phosphate and chlorophyll a (Chl a)], and biological parameters, e.g., zooplankton community and aquatic macrophytes were studied seasonally. Zooplankton communitiy comprised six arthropods and two rotifers. SIMPER analysis depicted that Moina sp., Daphnia sp., and Cyclops sp. were dominant species in cistern pond while Cyclops sp., Daphnia sp., Keratella sp. and Brachionus sp. were dominant in earthen natural pond. Abundance of species was highest in summer followed by post-rainy and winter in both the ponds while maximum abundance of zooplankton was recorded in summer. Species richness peaked in winter in natural pond, while in cistern pond species richness and diversity raised in summer. Multivariate analyses depicted significant temporal variation in zooplankton species in both the conditions. RELATE analysis revealed that temporal variation in species distribution and zooplankton community was significantly correlated with environmental parameters. Moreover, biological-environmental best matching (BIO-ENV) analyses indicated that water temperature, pH, TH and BOD (for cistern pond) and water temperature, EC and TSS (for earthen natural pond) were the main driving forces for temporal variations in species distribution and zooplankton community. Additionally, correlation analysis depicted that Moina sp., Daphnia sp., Diaptomus sp., Cyclops sp., Cypris sp., Bosmina sp., and species abundance was positively (significant) correlated with transparency, water temperature, and Chl a in natural pond. On the other hand, correlation analysis depicted that zooplankton species, species abundance, evenness and diversity were positively correlated with water temperature, DO, BOD and Chl a in cistern pond. Moreover, abundance of aquatic macrophytes were limited in three basic groups, namely free floating [(Lemna sp. (Major), Lemna sp. (Minor), Azolla sp., Pistia sp. and Eichhornia sp.], rooted submerged [Hydrilla sp., Ceratophyllum sp.] and rooted emerged [Nymphaes sp. and Ipomoea sp.]. Further, trophic state index (TSI) value revealed that both the ponds are hyper-eutrophic (‘natural’ waterbody > cistern waterbody) with a strong temporal variations. Therefore, these data could be used as water quality community-based bio-assessment tool as well as basis of water quality management plans to monitor the pollution level or conservation of aquatic ecology.

Common characteristics of successful water quality improvement through point source pollution management

Ocean pollution from land-based sources, such as terrestrial runoff and wastewater discharge, has significant environmental, social and economic repercussions. Despite the importance of good water quality for coastal ecosystem health, there is limited information about the key management characteristics present in places where there has been successful water quality management and subsequent improvement in marine ecosystem health. In this study, we evaluated several well-known successful examples of point source pollution management that achieved a notable improvement in water quality and coastal and marine ecosystems recovery, using principles of effective management collated from several existing theoretical Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) frameworks. Principles related to strong legislation, nested level of governance, stakeholder engagement and coordination among involved entities were determined as key factors to achieve water quality improvement. Understanding consistent themes present in successful management of water quality enhances our ability to better design management strategies that protect marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. • Success in marine water quality improvement is scarce. • Six large-scale water quality management have succeeded, measured by improvements in coastal and marine biodiversity. • Strong legislation in place and nested levels of governance were present in all water quality management projects. • Stakeholder engagement and participation in water quality management plan was also a prevalent theme. • The common themes across successful case studies can inform new and ongoing water quality management initiatives.

Optimal Band Selection for Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery to Retrieve a Wide Range of Cyanobacterial Pigment Concentration Using a Data-Driven Approach

Understanding the concentration and distribution of cyanobacteria blooms is an important aspect of managing water quality problems and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Airborne hyperspectral imagery (HSI)—which has high temporal, spatial, and spectral resolutions—is widely used to remotely sense cyanobacteria bloom, and it provides the distribution of the bloom over a wide area. In this study, we determined the input spectral bands that were relevant in effectively estimating the main two pigments (PC, Phycocyanin; Chl-a, Chlorophyll-a) of cyanobacteria by applying data-driven algorithms to HSI and then evaluating the change in the spatio-temporal distribution of cyanobacteria. The input variables for the algorithms consisted of reflectance band ratios associated with the optical properties of PC and Chl-a, which were calculated by the selected hyperspectral bands using a feature selection method. The selected input variable was composed of six reflectance bands (465.7–589.6, 603.6–631.8, 641.2–655.35, 664.8–679.0, 698.0–712.3, and 731.4–784.1 nm). The artificial neural network showed the best results for the estimation of the two pigments with average coefficients of determination 0.80 and 0.74. This study proposes relevant input spectral information and an algorithm that can effectively detect the occurrence of cyanobacteria in the weir pool along the Geum river, South Korea. The algorithm is expected to help establish a preemptive response to the formation of cyanobacterial blooms, and to contribute to the preparation of suitable water quality management plans for freshwater environments.

Association between Lake Sediment Nutrients and Climate Change, Human Activities: A Time-Series Analysis.

Climate change and human activities are closely linked with the nutrient accumulation in sediments, but the role of influence factors and the driving mechanisms are unclear. Here, by using the generalized additive model (GAM), we investigated the contributions and driving mechanisms of climate change and human activities on TON, TN, and TP accumulation in sediments of typical lakes in the Huai River basin (Nansi Lake and Hongze Lake) from 1988 to 2018. The impacts of factors, such as air temperature (AT), real GDP per capita (GDP), population density (PD), crop sown area (CSA), artificial impervious area (AIA), and domestic sewage discharge (DSD) were considered in this study. The results of the multivariate GAM showed that the sediment variables were significantly affected by climate change in Nansi Lake, but not in Hongze Lake. AT and DSD contributed the most to the variation of sediment TOC in Nansi Lake, while the most critical factors affecting TN and TP were AT, PD and DSD. PD and CSA showed strong ability to explain the change of TOC in Hongze Lake, while CSA and DSD showed strong ability to explain the variations of TN and TP. The results show that the selected optimal multivariate GAM can well quantify the effects of climate change and human activities on nutrient enrichment in lake sediments. Effective recommendations are provided for decision-makers in developing water quality management plans to prevent eutrophication outbreaks in lake waters by targeting and controlling key factors.

Soluble phosphorus content of Lake Balaton sediments

ABSTRACT Lake Balaton has undergone rapid eutrophication in the last decades causing dramatic deterioration in water quality. Although water quality has been successfully improved, significant algal blooms have been experienced over the past years again. Since the high level of phosphorus is primarily responsible for algal blooms, it is necessary to explore the status of the nutrient content of the lake sediment. In this study, a 100 m resolution map was created by the reanalysis of an archive database (with measured ammonium-lactate extracted phosphorus concentration) using the regression kriging method with topography, hydrodynamics and vegetation auxiliary variables. The regression model with 0.23 R2 does not indicate a strong correlation with the auxiliary variables. However, based on the result of the validation, the accuracy of the final map after kriging was high (R2=0.81). The reanalysis of soluble phosphorus should represent a significant input to Lake Balaton's water quality management planning.

Collaborative Environmental Approach for Development of the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Program Strategic Plan in South Texas

The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a promising eco-system based approach to improve the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national importance in the United States. Due to population growth and concomitant development pressure in South Texas, the future of the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM) without an estuary program is problematic. The development of a management plan for the LLM will enable the region to develop local solutions to local problems. The fundamental purpose of this research was to develop a strategic plan for the foundation of the Laguna Madre Estuary Program of the Gulf Coast of Texas. The comprehensive plan provided local communities with information to restore water quality, conversing habitat, and protecting coastal resources along the Gulf coast. The strategic plan was organized along the lines of the NEP program focused on the three most important foundational elements to establish a NEP for the LLM. The three primary Thrust Areas are as follows: (1) the national significance of the Laguna Madre estuary system, (2) the needs and goals for a proposed program, and finally (3) the plan for the sustainability and support to operate and maintain such a NEP. The outcomes of the strategic plan can be used as a model by the decision-makers to promote community resilience and establish integrated local water quality and ecosystem management plans for their respective communities and jurisdictions. Ultimately, the main objective of this project is to assess the ability to integrate science and public policy development for the common good.

Submarine groundwater discharge impacts on coastal nutrient biogeochemistry

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) links terrestrial and marine systems, but has often been overlooked in coastal nutrient budgets because it is difficult to quantify. In this Review, we examine SGD nutrient fluxes in over 200 locations globally, explain their impact on biogeochemistry and discuss broader management implications. SGD nutrient fluxes exceed river inputs in ~60% of study sites, with median total SGD fluxes of 6.0 mmol m−2 per day for dissolved inorganic nitrogen, 0.1 mmol m−2 per day for dissolved inorganic phosphorus and 6.5 mmol m−2 per day for dissolved silicate. SGD nitrogen input (mostly in the form of ammonium and dissolved organic nitrogen) often mitigates nitrogen limitation in coastal waters, since SGD tends to have high nitrogen concentrations relative to phosphorus (76% of studies showed N:P values above the Redfield ratio). It is notable that most investigations do not distinguish saline and fresh SGD, although they have different properties. Saline SGD is a ubiquitous, diffuse pathway releasing mostly recycled nutrients to global coastal waters, whereas fresh SGD is occasionally a local, point source of new nutrients. SGD-derived nutrient fluxes must be considered in water quality management plans, as these inputs can promote eutrophication if not properly managed. Submarine groundwater discharge transports nutrients from terrestrial to marine systems, but is often ignored in coastal biogeochemistry. In this Review, the fluxes, impacts and management implications of this discharge are examined and compared with riverine fluxes globally.

Interaction analysis of hydrochemical factors and dissolved heavy metals in the karst Caohai Wetland based on PHREEQC, cooccurrence network and redundancy analyses

In this study, to clarify the interaction between dissolved heavy metals and the coexisting chemical factors in karst wetland waters, surface water samples were collected from the Caohai Wetland during a water year, and the hydrochemistry and heavy metal pollution characteristics of the samples were analyzed. The main influencing factors of heavy metals in different water periods were identified through a cooccurrence network analysis. To further analyze the influence mechanism of these main influencing factors, the forms of heavy metals in the water were simulated with PHREEQC software, and the effects of these main influencing factors on the forms were analyzed by redundancy analysis. The results show that Ca2+ was the main cation in the wetland water, while the main anion was HCO3−. The hydrochemical facies of the Caohai Wetland in the wet and dry seasons were Ca-Mg-SO4-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3, respectively. Cd was the main pollutant in the Caohai Wetland, with Cd levels seriously exceeding the standards. The characteristics of the karst water in the Caohai Wetland are apparent. The cooccurrence network analysis shows that pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), SO42− and HCO3− are the main factors regulating heavy metals. The results of morphological simulation and analysis were used to explore the mechanism of action of these factors. These data provide geochemical information useful for water quality assessment and management plans on heavy metal pollution.

Watershed Water Quality Management Plan Using SWAT and Load Duration Curve

Watershed Water Quality Management Plan Using SWAT and Load Duration Curve

Drinking Water Quality Mapping Using Water Quality Index and Geospatial Analysis in Primary Schools of Pakistan

Primary school children in the developing world often lack potable water, which may result in a high burden of water-related diseases and poor school performance. The present study aimed to characterize the drinking water quality in primary schools of Pakistan. We used a multistage random-sampling method to select 425 primary schools from selected districts of Sindh province. Standard methods were used to characterize water quality. The results were compared with maximum acceptable values recommended by the Pakistani National Environmental Quality Standards (Pak NEQS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water quality standards. Groundwater (62%) and surface water (38%) were identified as two major drinking water sources in the selected schools with varying levels of water quality. Among all parameters, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and nitrate remained within WHO and Pak NEQS water quality standard limit, while total dissolved solids (TDS) (33%), electrical conductivity (EC) (46%), chloride (34%), turbidity (27%), and hardness (11%) samples exceeded standard limits. All dissolved salts had moderate to strong positive correlations with TDS and EC values. Based on a water quality index (WQI), 74% of primary schools had access to excellent or good quality drinking water compared to 26% of schools that had access to either poor, very poor or unsuitable drinking water. Among all three regions, more schools from South Sindh had either poor, very poor or unsuitable drinking water (33%) compared to the Central (25%) and North zones (15%). Hence, water from these locations is unfit for human consumption and these schools need better water quality management plans to stop the spread of water-related diseases in primary school children.

Parametrization of groundwater quality of the Quaternary aquifer in N'Djamena (Chad), Lake Chad Basin: application of numerical and multivariate analyses.

The urban groundwater of the Quaternary aquifer of the Lake Chad basin in N'Djamena has been subject to many hydrochemical studies. However, the results are often not presented in a way that enables water quality managers to make an appropriate decisions, which restrict development and poverty reduction efforts. The objective of the present study was to contribute the improved management of the local groundwater resources. A total of 85 groundwater samples were interpreted using hydrochemical techniques associated with integrated numerical indices and multivariate statistical analysis. The hydrochemical results coupled with the relative residence time of water have shown that the chemical composition of these waters is linked to geogenic and anthropogenic factors and to their proximity to the Chari-Logone rivers. These investigations showed that the groundwater quality in N'Djamena is characterized by a high spatial variability. This study also assessed the suitability of groundwater for user needs and identified areas which are more/less favorable for a specific use. The evaluation of water quality and its suitability for human consumption is also a problem of optimizing data acquisition strategy, and this study used the correlation between water quality index (WQI) and electrical conductivity (EC) to orientate future data acquisition strategies. This parametrization can assist the decision makers and water management professionals in evaluating groundwater availability and setting up a robust water quality management plan in areas with similar hydrogeological and climatic conditions.

A spatiotemporal analysis of water quality characteristics in the Klip river catchment, South Africa.

Understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of water quality is central to its management as it provides information essential to the restoration as well as protection of water resources. The main objectives of this study were (i) to analyze the spatial and temporal trends of water quality and (ii) to identify the critical sources of pollution in the Klip River catchment (KRC). Water samples were collected at 12 sampling points along the Klip River, monthly from February 2016 to January 2017 and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and spectrophotometry for heavy metals and nutrients, respectively. Multivariate statistical techniques (cluster analysis and discriminant analysis) were used to delineate homogeneous water quality zones and seasons, and principal component analysis was used to identify pollution sources. Comprehensive pollution index (CPI) was also computed to classify the overall pollution of the river. The spatial grouping yielded two homogenous water quality zones namely upstream and downstream. Temporal grouping yielded two clusters, which were attributed to the effects of the El Nino (2015/16 season) and La Nina phenomena (2016/17 season). The CPI revealed that the KRC was critically polluted in the upstream for domestic (162.16-323.28) and aquatic uses (617.70-837.09) in both the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons. It can be concluded that pollutants, which influence water quality in the KRC in one season and/or location, may not necessarily be the same in the other season or location. Therefore, there is need to develop a water quality management plan in the KRC that targets the most impaired uses, pollutants of priority, and the critically polluted areas.

Spatial response of lake water quality to multi-scale landscape pattern of lakeside zone in agricultural watershed

Understanding the response of water quality in lake to landscape pattern at different spatial scales in agricultural watershed is of great significance to water quality management. In this study, we classified seven riparian buffer zones of lakeside zone by ArcGIS and RS in the Honghu Lake, according to the five functional areas. The landscape metrics were analyzed at multiple buffer widths using Fragstats software. Mathematical statistical methods and models such as redundancy analysis were used to explore spatial relationship between water quality and landscape patterns. Results showed that: 1) The effect of landscape patterns on water quality was scale-dependent at multiple buffer widths. The highest total explanatory power between landscape characteristics and water quality was found at the 200 m buffer width, accounting for 86.1% of the total, which was the most effective spatial scale affecting water quality. 2) The landscape configuration (e.g., largest patch index, patch density) was more associated with water quality than landscape composition (e.g., the percent of landscape and evenness index). 3) The impacts of different landscape types on water quality varied. Agriculture land, affected by topography and cultivation mode, was the main influencing factor on the degradation of water quality at smaller buffer widths from 100 m to 500 m. Forests with higher density and area had more purification effect on water pollutants at the wider buffer widths from 1000 m to 5000 m. The impacts of grassland on water quality was similar with that of forests, but densely distributed urban land contributed to water quality degradation at the same buffer widths. This study could provide scientific reference for water quality management and landscape planning of lake basin in agricultural areas.

QUAL2K 모형을 이용한 도시하천의 효율적 수질관리방안 - 인천광역시 심곡천을 중심으로 -

QUAL2K 모형을 이용한 도시하천의 효율적 수질관리방안 - 인천광역시 심곡천을 중심으로 -

Assessment of Lake Water Quality and Eutrophication Risk in an Agricultural Irrigation Area: A Case Study of the Chagan Lake in Northeast China

Water quality safety is the key factor to maintain the ecosystem service functions of lakes. Field investigations and statistical analyses were carried out to study the water quality of a large, agriculture-stressed lakes (e.g., Chagan Lake) in Northeast China. The hydro-chemical properties of the Chagan Lake are HCO3·CO3-Na. Nutrient (N and P) and non-nutrient (pH and F−) were found to be the major factors that threaten water quality safety of the lake. The concentration of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) was found to vary seasonally and at different locations. The overall lake water had mean TN and TP values of 2.19 mg/L and 0.49 mg/L, respectively, in summer. TN was the major factor for water quality deterioration in the western region of the lake, while TP was the principal factor in the other regions, as determined by a principal component analysis (PCA). Fluoride (F−) concentration in the lake water were related to the values of total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC). In addition, eutrophication is a fundamental index that has been affecting the ecological evaluation of water quality. The results showed that trophic level index (TLI), trophic state index (TSI), and eutrophication index (EI) were evaluated to quantify the risk of eutrophication. However, TLI and TSI can better describe the purification effect of the wetland. These indices showed that the lake water was hyper-eutrophic in summer, with TLI, TSI, and EI values of 60.1, 63.0, and 66.6, respectively. Disparities in water quality were observed among whole areas of the lake. Overall, this study revealed that controlling agriculture drainage is crucial for lake water quality management. The study generated critical data for making water quality management plans to control the risk.

Physico-chemical Characterization of Kaptai Lake and Foy’s Lake Water Quality Parameters in Chittagong, Bangladesh

In order to protect the quality of the environment and human health, freshwater assets are tremendously important in various ways. To ensure the freshwater resources in the Chittagong region of Bangladesh, we have studied the water quality parameters of Kaptai and Foy’s Lake. This research has done based on the essential surface water standard parameters such as pH, temperature, DO, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, TS, EC, hardness, turbidity, salinity, total alkalinity, total acidity, SO42-, PO43-, NO3--N, NO2-, CO2, and most of the heavy and toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn) of two lakes namely Foy’s (Chittagong) and Kaptai (Rangamati) Lakes in Chittagong , Bangladesh. The statistical approaches to sampling were utilized for collecting samples. The samples were assembled from ten different locations of each lake. Samples were conserved using a satisfactory preservation procedure. Water samples from the surface-water assets were collected from various locations, and tide conditions and at various seasons for continual monitoring during the hydrological years 2014-2015. The results showed that Kaptai Lake and Foy’s Lake all physicochemical parameters are within the permissible limit of WHO guidelines. The results also supplied data to view, and quantify the enemy of the impact of climate alter on freshwater resources of this region. The outcomes further showed data for water quality of surface-water resources of greater Chittagong zone to match national and international quality for drinking, agricultural, manufacture and livestock requirements. A strategic water quality management plan has been proposed.

Pseudomonas and the water quality management plan – it's not just about Legionella

Pseudomonas and the water quality management plan – it's not just about Legionella

Designing solutions for clean water on Cape Cod: Engaging communities to improve decision making

Many of the remaining mechanisms for reducing land-based nitrogen release in coastal communities depend on behavior change, social acceptance, and public support of localized mitigation programs. These needs necessitate appropriate and effective stakeholder engagement. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, is one example of an area undergoing significant local, regional, state and federal decision-making processes to address nitrogen impacts on coastal waterbodies through an update to its Area Wide Water Quality Management Plan (208 Plan). The 208 Plan Update seeks to support mitigation of nitrogen pollution and restore estuarine health through active community engagement with elected officials, town staff, citizens, and other stakeholders across its 53 embayment watersheds, 35 of which are deemed impaired. With an economy deeply tied to the environment, the region is in the difficult position of needing to make significant infrastructure investments to maintain its reputation for high quality coastal waters. It is the first region in the United States to undergo an extensive revisit of its Area Wide Water Quality Management Plan developed pursuant to Section 208 of the federal Clean Water Act for the purpose of addressing nitrogen. The community engagement process for the 208 Plan Update set forth to 1) understand the range of perspectives regarding the extent of the nitrogen impacts as well as the possible solutions, 2) ensure two-way communication of available information, and 3) build trust through a transparent process. The process specifically applied a number of different mechanisms for community engagement which enabled progress in addressing nitrogen management needs. The process helped to determine and address barriers to successful implementation of nitrogen mitigation plans and resulted in a framework for watershed-based planning that relies on regional coordination and supports local selection of mitigation strategies. As a result, communities in the region are developing innovative cross-municipal partnerships and committing to fund infrastructure necessary to decrease nitrogen loading to coastal embayments.