Quote:
Originally Posted by lawn psycho
Over fertilizing is part (not all) of the problem when it comes to water quality. The other part is septic tanks and fields.
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The problem with septic and fertilizer phosphorus is much of it enters the water during the summer tourist season when the water is warm, and the algae is hungry. From what I've been told, it is a problem we can most easily address, so we should raise awareness and enforce where practical.
The shoreline protection act and steep slope ordinances are designed to reduce runoff, which scientists say contributes 80% of the yearly phosphorus load. The theory is that spring phosphorus is the largest contributor, but sinks to the bottom of the cold water before the plant life in the water column is growing. Maintaining shoreline vegetation and porous soil, along with holding dams, slows down the flush of water that brings phosphorus with it following summer gully washers.