Page 11 - Abacoa Community News - June '24

Abacoa, Page 11

governMent

Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways … water. Blooms generally occur where there are high levels of poor water quality, but it can cause problems. The best way to

How You Can Minimize Its nutrients present, together with warm, sunny, calm conditions. reduce algae growth is by minimizing the amount of nutrients,
such as phosphorus, that can feed it and enter the water. The
However, human activity often can trigger or accelerate
Growth algal blooms. Various human activities can supplement following are some tips to help maintain a healthy lake.
natural sources of nutrients such as phosphorus or nitrogen
By Katie Roundtree, compounds. For example, agricultural runoff from fields in Be Careful With Fertilizer
Director of Finance and rural areas can wash fertilizers into the water. In urban areas, If you want a lush green lawn and healthy plants, you
Administration, Northern nutrient sources in stormwater runoff carry pollutants such may be tempted to use fertilizer in your yard or garden.
Palm Beach County as lawn fertilizers and grass clippings. However, the use of fertilizer can have negative effects on
Improvement District Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, the environment, especially if you are close to a water source.
Algae generally refers to and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, Fertilizers may encourage the growth of algae when they
a wide variety of different an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, enter the water bodies, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
and dissimilar photosynthetic can significantly accelerate their growth. Pollutants from It’s best to avoid using fertilizers altogether and instead
organisms, typically fertilized yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater choose to plant native plants that are well-suited to the
microscopic. Algae can runoff, pet waste, decomposing leaves, grass clippings and local environment. These plants will not require special
inhabit fresh or salt water other organic materials also contribute to nutrient imbalances maintenance and will also contribute to the health of the
and are classified into one in the water. local ecosystem. Additionally, implementing landscaping
of six divisions, usually known by color, such as green, red, Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in summer strategies like xeriscaping can help to increase groundwater
brown and golden. The misnamed blue-green algae are often months can also encourage algae blooms, as can standing filtration before water enters nearby ponds or lakes.
grouped with algae because of the chloroplasts contained water, which is warmer than circulating water and can act If you must use fertilizer, try to find a phosphorus-free
within the cells. However, these organisms are actually like an incubator. Algae in a lake does not always indicate product and apply it when rain is not forecast. This can help
photosynthetic bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. to reduce nutrient-rich runoff. However, it’s important to
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape note that even natural fertilizers like manure or compost can
and color and are found in many habitats, such as ponds, contribute to the growth of algae, so it’s best to avoid using
lakes, marshes and canals. They are a natural and essential fertilizers whenever possible.
part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, phytoplankton are the
base of the aquatic food chain. Small freshwater crustaceans
and other small animals consume phytoplankton, which in
turn is consumed by larger animals.
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as
well as cyanobacteria, are capable of causing various nuisance
effects in fresh water, such as excessive accumulations of
foams, scums and discoloration of the water. When algae
in a lake or a canal increases explosively, an algal “bloom”
results. Lakes, ponds, marshes and slow-moving canals are
most susceptible to blooms.
Algal blooms are natural occurrences and may occur
regularly (e.g., every summer), depending on weather and
water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on
local conditions and characteristics of the particular body of
Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
should be bagged and removed from the property to prevent
them from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody.
When organic materials are allowed to decompose in
freshwater resources, they release undesirable nutrients that
fuel nuisance plant and algae growth. Ask your lawn-care
company to remove grass clippings and leaves to prevent
decomposition in or around ponds and lakes. Do not mow,
rake or blow grass clippings into the nearby waterbodies.
Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of
excess nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags
into lakes and canals. They will eventually break down and
release those toxins into the waterway.
NPDES tip: Please avoid burning any trash in your yards
or dumping debris into lakes and canals. By doing this, you
can help preserve our natural resources and protect the health
of our lakes and marshes, as well as our communities.

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