An Act relative to local protection of water resources from nutrient pollution

This bill allows municipalities to create local rules for fertilizer use on lawns and non-agricultural turf (like parks), but these rules cannot be less strict than existing state regulations from the Department of Agricultural Resources. Municipalities must also work with the University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension to ensure their rules match the university's published nutrient management guidelines and educational materials. The bill directly affects local governments and property owners who maintain non-farm lawn areas. It provides a framework for local action while requiring alignment with state standards and university outreach programs.