The pollution that causes eutrophication is usually not toxic pollution. Ordinary nutrients are among the substances that feed the algae and bacteria that use up the dissolved oxygen. For example, fertilized suburban lawns contribute to the excessive nutrients that pollute New Jersey's water. Our river ecosystems survive only if they have enough dissolved oxygen. When large quantities of fertilizers and other pollution run off from our farms, cities and roads, then algae and bacteria grow quickly in our rivers and use up the oxygen.
Severe eutrophication can kill fish and other species and change the ecological balance of rivers.
Our rivers are part of the state's water system, from which we draw much of our drinking water. Our state has significant industries that depend on healthy rivers for tourism and for fishing. Some of the ocean fish harvested by New Jersey businesses are spawned and hatched in our rivers. Property values are higher adjacent to healthy bodies of water. Environmental Rivers are particularly important ecosystems.