When we think of the color blue, what comes to mind? A cloudless sky? Our wondrous open spaces? Crystal-clear water?
The color blue has not been the color we have seen in our lakes in recent years. Excessive algae and plant growth have turned our lakes from blue to green, and dealing with this issue has become a consistent yearly struggle. And what is causing this green water? One of the main issues is excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) flowing from our land and our properties into our waterways and into our lakes.
When we hear of ways to control this “green,” it is typically in the form of cutting or spraying, methods that unfortunately are not controlling the causes of the color change. These control methods are only “band-aids” – temporary fixes for something that is broken – so the causes of the excessive algae and green plant growth are not being addressed. Why would we want to continually spend money and time doing something that doesn’t work towards fixing the problem?
Let’s put the power in our own hands. We can make a real difference in controlling our water color and the outbreak of harmful algal blooms and excessive plant growth right in our own yards and communities where we live. All of our yards drain and contribute to the health of our watershed – no matter how big they are or where they are located.
Here are a few simple ways homeowners can help decrease the amount of nutrients flowing from or through their yards into our lakes and help us keep our blue view:
Plant native buffers. Native plants along a lakefront or streamside have strong root systems that not only soak up excess nutrients but also help hold soil in place on the water’s edge to prevent erosion. And if you can take or leave gardening, stop mowing down to the water’s edge and just let nature do her thing. If you don’t live on a waterway, plant natives to better filter and soak up water and extra nutrients that are draining from your property. (They will also help feed our local birds and pollinators!)
Scoop the poop. Pet waste contains a host of diseases and/or parasites, as well as being high in nitrogen and phosphorus. By scooping it and disposing of it in the trash, you can prevent diseases and extra nutrients from making their way into your homes and our waters.
Fertilize in the fall (if at all). If you choose to fertilize, waiting until the fall to apply it is ideal because it is better for your lawn. Feeding your lawn in the fall with zero percent phosphorus fertilizer promotes strong grass root growth heading into winter, and you are less likely to contribute to lake algae and plant growth with the lower fall temperatures.
Maintain your septic system. Septic tanks need to be properly maintained, cleaned, and emptied every 3 to 5 years. If not, our poop is draining straight into our nearby waterways.
To better understand our connection to our watershed and how we can help protect our waterways, we have created and are excited to share our new video called “Our Lakeshore Connection.” Watch it on our website here or on our YouTube channel here.
We have the knowledge, power, and responsibility to keep our water blue! Let’s work together to throw away the green “band-aids,” make some simple yard changes, and actually make a difference in the health of our lakes and waterways.
Article by Conservationist Carol Markham
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