Cape Cod’s coastal estuaries and freshwater ponds are experiencing severe nutrient pollution, leading to harmful algal blooms, and threatening ecosystems, drinking water, and the local economy. Much of this pollution comes from septic systems, with urine contributing 70% of the nitrogen and 50% of the phosphorus in wastewater. By separating urine at the source, communities can reduce nutrient loads to local water bodies. As an added benefit, the diverted urine can be processed into a sustainable fertilizer for use on farms instead of imported synthetic fertilizer. 

The in-person Rich Earth Summit provided a comprehensive introduction to how urine diversion can work at many scales and facilitate exploration of practical options for Cape Cod–informed by insights from research and implementation projects across the country.