What Can I do to Reduce Phosphorus?
By Geri Williams
The Cyanobacteria bloom that just caused a health warning and limited use of Great Herring Pond was caused by the hot weather and excess phosphorus in the water. We can’t do anything about the weather but each of us can work to be good stewards and reduce the phosphorus that we might be adding to the water in our watershed whether we live near the shoreline or further away.
The most significant source of phosphorus is from our septic systems as determined by the Water Quality Study. Since we all are on private/ personal septic disposal systems, it is very important that we maintain then properly.
All septic systems or cesspools should be inspected and pumped out every 3-5 years. These systems depend on bacteria to break down waste products, so try not to use bleach, Drano or caustic products unless really necessary as these kill off the beneficial bacteria. Also do not use a garbage disposal if you have one as that adds greatly to the load in your septic system.
Be aware of where your septic system and leach field are located and do not park cars over them. Also don’t plant trees there as the roots can clog your system.
Clean up animal poop from your yard and after your dog when you walk it to prevent the phosphorus in the waste from running off into our ponds, streams and street drains which connect to the ponds. And don’t dispose of anything in the street drains.
Don’t dispose of grass clippings, leaves or other yard waste in the ponds, as they decompose they add phosphorus to the water.
If you use a landscaper ask them to use phosphorus free fertilizer when they fertilize your lawn. They may recommend using fertilizer four times a year, but your lawn really only needs it once or twice a year, fall and possibly again in the spring.
If you fertilize yourself, sweep up any fertilizer that gets on the sidewalk or driveway. Don’t hose it off into the street.
Leave a plant buffer along the shore and trim up trees to improve your view rather than cutting trees down. The plants and especially trees hold the soil and reduce runoff, another source of phosphorus.
Wash your car at a car wash as they recycle the dirty water. If you do wash your car at home check to ensure you are using a phosphorus/phosphate free detergent. Wash it on the lawn rather than your driveway or the street where the soapy water will run into the street drain.
Thank you in advance for being thoughtful and trying to reduce your phosphorus footprint. Perhaps we can stop another harmful cyanobacteria bloom by all being a little more careful.
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