What are some ways to prevent eutrophication?

To prevent eutrophication, people must use cleaning agents and detergents that are biodegradable and that do not contain phosphates. To further reduce the amount of nutrients that are causing an overgrowth of algae in lakes and streams, laws need to be created that regulate the dumping of waste water.

Farmers in areas that are affected by eutrophication need to find alternative ways to fertilize and control pests. The chemicals and artificial ingredients in pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers leach into the ground water. They then end up in nearby ponds, lakes and streams. The overgrowth of algae destroys recreational areas. It also causes unwanted mutations in some species of fish.