Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (S 1952). The vote is on the Nelson amendment to limit the amounts of phosphates allowed in detergents, dish-washing compounds and water conditioners sold in the eight states adjacent to the Great Lakes. The amendment also directed the Environmental Protection Agency to study the need for a national phosphate control program. Environmentalists supported this amendment since phosphates reduce the levels of oxygen in bodies of water, causing eutrophication and killing fish. The Administration supported the amendment. Adopted 77-17. August 4, 1977. Yes is the correct vote.