Page 18 - Southen Exposure - August '22

Page 18, Southern Exposure

nortHern notes

Algae In The Waterways And

How You Can Minimize Its Growth

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

The term “algae” is and characteristics of feeding nutrients, especially phosphorus, that make it into the
generally used to refer to a the particular body water. Here are some tips to keep your lake in tip-top shape.
wide variety of different and of water. Blooms Be Careful With Fertilizer
dissimilar photosynthetic generally occur Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants – but
organisms, generally where there are high that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages algae to
microscopic. Depending on levels of nutrients bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether if you’re close to a
the species, algae can inhabit present, together water source – plant native plants instead, which are well-adapted
fresh or salt water. In modern with the occurrence to the environment and don’t require special maintenance.
taxonomic systems, algae are of warm, sunny, calm Implement landscaping strategies, like xeriscaping, that increase
usually assigned to one of six conditions. However, groundwater filtration before water enters the pond or lake.

divisions. The misnamed blue- human activity often can trigger or accelerate algal blooms. If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free product,
green algae are often grouped Natural sources of nutrients such as phosphorus or nitrogen and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it when there’s no
with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells. compounds can be supplemented by a variety of human activities. rain in the forecast.
However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic bacteria For example, in rural areas, agricultural runoff from fields can And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or compost is

assigned to the group cyanobacteria. wash fertilizers into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources any better than a chemical version, anything that’s going to make
Fresh-water algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape can cause stormwater runoff that carries pollutants such as lawn your garden plants grow is going to make algae grow as well,
and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, such as ponds, fertilizers. it’s best to avoid fertilizers generally.
lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a natural and essential Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, the phytoplankton are and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris should
the base of the aquatic food chain. Small fresh-water crustaceans an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, can be bagged and removed from the property to prevent them from

and other small animals consume the phytoplankton and in turn accelerate an algal bloom’s growth significantly. Pollutants from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody. When organic
are consumed by larger animals. construction runoff, fertilized yards and golf courses, road wash, materials are allowed to decompose in freshwater resources,
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as well stormwater runoff, pet waste, and decomposing leaves, grass they release undesirable nutrients that are responsible for fueling
as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing various nuisance clippings, and other organic materials also contribute to nutrient nuisance plant and algae growth. Ask your lawn care company
effects in fresh water, such as excessive accumulations of foams, imbalances in the water. to remove grass clippings and leaves to prevent decomposition
scums, and discoloration of the water. When the numbers of Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in summer months in or around ponds and lakes.
algae in a lake or a river increase explosively, an algal “bloom” also can encourage algae blooms, as does standing water, which Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of excess
is the result. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving canals are most is warmer than circulating water and can act like an incubator – nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags into lakes and

susceptible to blooms. another significant influence. canals. They will eventually break down and release those toxins
Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur with Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, but it can into the waterway.
regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on weather and water be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing algae on your lake? NPDES t ip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and don’t
conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on local conditions The most effective thing to do is reduce the number of algae- dump any debris into lakes and canals.

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