Page 13 - Talk of Tequesta - June '24

The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 13
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
a wide variety of different
and dissimilar photosynthetic
organisms, typically
microscopic. Algae can
inhabit fresh or salt water
and are classified into one
of six divisions, usually
known by color, such as
green, red, brown and golden.
The misnamed blue-green
algae are often grouped with
algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells.
However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic bacteria
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
norThern noTes
the ecosystem. In these habitats, phytoplankton are the base like an incubator. Algae in a lake does not always indicate
of the aquatic food chain. Small freshwater crustaceans and poor water quality, but it can cause problems. The best way to
other small animals consume phytoplankton, which in turn is reduce algae growth is by minimizing the amount of nutrients,
consumed by larger animals. such as phosphorus, that can feed it and enter the water. The
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as following are some tips to help maintain a healthy lake.
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 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. Be Careful With Fertilizer
Various human activities can supplement natural sources of
nutrients such as phosphorus or nitrogen compounds. For If you want a lush green lawn and healthy plants, you
example, agricultural runoff from fields in rural areas can may be tempted to use fertilizer in your yard or garden.
wash fertilizers into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources However, the use of fertilizer can have negative effects on
in stormwater runoff carry pollutants such as lawn fertilizers the environment, especially if you are close to a water source.
and grass clippings. Fertilizers may encourage the growth of algae when they
Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, enter the water bodies, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, It’s best to avoid using fertilizers altogether and
an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, instead choose to plant native plants that are well-suited
can significantly accelerate their growth. Pollutants from to the local environment. These plants will not require
fertilized yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater special maintenance and will also contribute to the health
runoff, pet waste, decomposing leaves, grass clippings of the local ecosystem. Additionally, implementing
and other organic materials also contribute to nutrient landscaping strategies like xeriscaping can help to increase
imbalances in the water. groundwater filtration before water enters nearby ponds
Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in summer or lakes.
months can also encourage algae blooms, as can standing If you must use fertilizer, try to find a phosphorus-free
water, which is warmer than circulating water and can act product and apply it when rain is not forecast. This can help
to reduce nutrient-rich runoff. However, it’s important to
note that even natural fertilizers like manure or compost can
contribute to the growth of algae, so it’s best to avoid using
fertilizers whenever possible.
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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