Page 12 - PGA Community News- June '24

Page 12, PGA C.A.N.! June 2024 June 2024
Northern Notes

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