Agriculture can increase nutrient loading of nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways, and this nutrient loading has been associated with water quality issues, such as eutrophication and hypoxia. Although much is known about agricultural effects on water quality, effects of residential fertilizer use on water quality have been less studied. In 2006, a study was conducted to examine the influences of lawn fertilization practices on water quality in six sand-pit lakes adjacent to the Platte River in eastern Nebraska. These lakes are particularly at risk from loading with excess nutrients because they are relatively shallow and the soils bordering them are very coarse-textured. The study consisted of three parts: 1) a formal survey regarding lawn maintenance practices was distributed among residents living around the perimeter of sand-pit lakes, 2) nutrient analysis (NO3--N and PO4-) of soil samples were taken from consenting surveyed residents, and 3) representative soil samples were tested for phosphorus retention. Findings from the survey and soil analysis will be used to determine if lawn fertilization practices from residential areas are associated with water quality in six sand-pit lakes of eastern Nebraska.