Page 22 - Southern Exposure - June '24

Page 22, Southern Exposure BW

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Algae In The Waterways … How You Can Minimize Its Growth

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

Algae generally refers to Properly Dispose Of grass clippings and leaves to prevent decomposition in or around
a wide variety of different Organic Materials ponds and lakes. Do not mow, rake or blow grass clippings into
and dissimilar photosynthetic Following yard work, the nearby waterbodies.
o rg a n i sm s, t y p i c a l l y leaves, grass and other Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of excess
microscopic. Algae can debris should be bagged nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags into lakes
inhabit fresh or salt water and removed from the and canals. They will eventually break down and release those
and are classified into one of property to prevent them toxins into the waterway.
six divisions, usually known from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody. When NPDES tip: Please avoid burning any trash in your yards
by color, such as green, organic materials are allowed to decompose in freshwater or dumping debris into lakes and canals. By doing this, you can
red, brown and golden. The resources, they release undesirable nutrients that fuel nuisance help preserve our natural resources and protect the health of our
misnamed blue-green algae plant and algae growth. Ask your lawn-care company to remove lakes and marshes, as well as our communities.
are often grouped with algae
because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells.
However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic bacteria LET US HELP YOU
assigned to the group cyanobacteria.
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape
and color and are found in many habitats, such as ponds, lakes,
marshes and canals. They are a natural and essential part of Ship Your Valuable Packages & Furniture
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 • CLOTHING • SCULPTURES • CUSTOM PACKING AND CRATING
consumed by larger animals.
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as • DISHES • ARTWORK • ESTATES PACKING AND
well as cyanobacteria, are capable of causing various nuisance • ANTIQUES • COMPUTERS SHIPPING
effects in fresh water, such as excessive accumulations of • FURNISHINGS • FURNITURE SHIPPING • BOXES AND PACKING SUPPLIES
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 WE PACK AND FREE
most susceptible to blooms.
Algal blooms are natural occurrences and may occur SHIP WITH TLC PICK UP AT YOUR
regularly (e.g., every summer), depending on weather and
water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on local LOCATION
conditions and characteristics of the particular body of water.
Blooms generally occur where there are high levels of nutrients
present, together with warm, sunny, calm conditions. However,
human activity often can trigger or accelerate algal blooms.
Various human activities can supplement natural sources of
nutrients such as phosphorus or nitrogen compounds. For
example, agricultural runoff from fields in rural areas can
wash fertilizers into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources
in stormwater runoff carry pollutants such as lawn fertilizers
and grass clippings.
A lgae grow th
depends on weather Dishes, Glasses, Furniture
patterns, temperature,
and nutrients in the water. Copies, Fax Service, Notary, US Mail, Stamps
While blooms happen
naturally, an imbalance
of phosphorus and
nitrogen, in particular, can
significantly accelerate
their growth. Pollutants
from fertilized yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater
runoff, pet waste, decomposing leaves, grass clippings and
other organic materials also contribute to nutrient imbalances
in the water. Phone: 561-799-3900
Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in summer 10130 Northlake Blvd. #214
months can also encourage algae blooms, as can standing Fax: 561-799-3905
water, which is warmer than circulating water and can act West Palm Beach, FL. 33412
like an incubator. Algae in a lake does not always indicate Cell: 561-598-4413
poor water quality, but it can cause problems. The best way to
reduce algae growth is by minimizing the amount of nutrients, Ask For Jean or Joseph
such as phosphorus, that can feed it and enter the water. The
following are some tips to help maintain a healthy lake.
Be Careful With Fertilizer
If you want a lush green lawn and healthy plants, you The UPS Store The UPS Store
may be tempted to use fertilizer in your yard or garden.
However, the use of fertilizer can have negative effects on
the environment, especially if you are close to a water source.
Fertilizers may encourage the growth of algae when they Show Your AAA
enter the water bodies, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. 5¢
It’s best to avoid using fertilizers altogether and instead
choose to plant native plants that are well-suited to the Card And Save
local environment. These plants will not require special
maintenance and will also contribute to the health of the Copies
local ecosystem. Additionally, implementing landscaping 5% Off Shipping
strategies like xeriscaping can help to increase groundwater
filtration before water enters nearby ponds or lakes. 15% Off
If you must use fertilizer, try to find a phosphorus-free
product and apply it when rain is not forecast. This can help Limit one coupon per customer. This offer is not
to reduce nutrient-rich runoff. However, it’s important to Packaging good in combination with any other offers. Valid
note that even natural fertilizers like manure or compost can at this location only. Restrictions apply. ©2004
contribute to the growth of algae, so it’s best to avoid using Mail Boxes Etc., Inc.
fertilizers whenever possible.