Page 7 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - June '24

Jupiter Ocean Mile, Page 7
Northern Notes

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

It’s best to avoid using fertilizers altogether and instead
local environment. These plants will not require special News
choose to plant native plants that are well-suited to the
maintenance and will also contribute to the health of the
By Jim Kuretski,
Mayor, Town of Jupiter
The Town Council works
with our town manager, staff
and others to address issues
affecting our residents and
businesses. The following
$ $ 100 OFF $ 250 provides a summary of
actions and achievements
39Usually 95 since the last Community
$
SERVICE CALL WITH ANY NEW UV LIGHT WITH ANY Newspaper Report:
NEW INSTALLATION
ANY A/C REPAIR WATER HEATER ( 750 Value) The Town Council
$
CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE conducted a Round Table discussion at our May 7 meeting
561-741-2825 561-741-2825 561-741-2825 to review/critique and finalize the Town’s 2024 to 2026
Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, Strategic Plan. The strategic plan includes 23 strategic
offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount initiative items with town staff leading accountability
per transaction. Expires 7/10/24. per transaction. Expires: 7/10/24. per transaction. Expires: 7/10/24. assignments and action plans for each.
The top strategic initiative item is under the category of
governmental fiscal responsibility and entails creation of a
new Town of Jupiter Fire Rescue Department to be in full
“Service is our number one priority” operation by Oct. 1, 2026. Palm Beach County’s ultimate
fiscal goal to significantly increase its ad valorem tax rate
561-743-0070 for providing fire rescue services to Jupiter residents and
businesses was deemed to be an unprecedented and unfair tax
www.palmspoolservices.com burden. It equated to approximately a quarter billion dollars of
increased tax collections over a ten-year period to subsidize
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department providing
services to areas outside of Town of Jupiter boundary limits.
Some of the other key strategic initiative items include
vehicle and pedestrian traffic management and mitigation,
recreation facility master plan, West Indiantown Road
improvements, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
plan, U.S. 1 bridge and comprehensive plan updates.
A copy of the overall Town of Jupiter Strategic Plan
is available for public viewing on the Town of Jupiter
Internet website.
In the upcoming months, the Town Council will be
conducting various workshops to review/critique and
set preliminary annual budgets for the Town’s General
Expires 7/15/24.
Operating Fund, Capital Improvements Plan, Water and
Stormwater Utilities, Building Department and CRA. The
State Licensed & Insured final budget settings occur during public hearings to be held
Serving Palm Beach County CPC # 1457468 • LPG#30099 in September.
Stay tuned.