Conventional surface and subsurface drainage have resulted in increased nitrate losses from agricultural fields to surface waters. A number of approaches have been identified to reduce nitrate losses from surface and subsurface drainage. These include; controlled drainage, natural/constructed wetlands, constructed bioreactors, and in-stream denitrification. Potential nitrate reductions for each of these methods are; approximately 50% for controlled drainage, 37% to 65% for natural/constructed wetlands, 60% to 90% for constructed bioreactors, and 1% to 60% for in-stream denitrification. Combinations of these methods would lead to higher nitrate removal. A combination of controlled drainage, constructed wetland and in-stream denitrification could result in approximately 70% nitrate removal prior to release to a stream or other surface water reducing water quality degradation.