Page 9 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens- June '24
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Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 9
      Northern Notes



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