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Communities from the Great Lakes to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are seeking to reduce excess phosphorus to freshwater systems via policies aimed at reducing residents use of lawn fertilizers. The City of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed a phosphorus ordinance in 2006 in response to a nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for two impoundments of the Huron River that requires the City and other watershed jurisdictions to reduce phosphorus contributions. Compelling water quality data are now available to suggest that these endeavors are making a difference. Based on 2003-2009 data, the City of Ann Arbor has seen phosphorus concentrations in the Huron River drop an average of 28% and in tributary streams drop an average of 35% after the ordinance went into effect in 2007.