How Can I Prevent Phosphorus Right Now?:

Leaves and Lawn Clippings:

Keep these out of gutters, yards, streets and lakes. As the leaves decompose, they release the phosphorus that was bound up in the leaf. When it rains, the phosphorus is washed down the street, down the nearest storm drain or through the soil into the nearest lake, river, or stream. There it is a bountiful source for algal growth and causes excessive algae blooms.

Geese feces: Do not feed the geese.

When waterfowl are artificially fed, they become dependent on the that food supply. They become semidomesticated and no longer migrate. Populations increase and become more concentrated. Geese feces are very high in organic Phosphorus. 100 geese equate to over 7lbs of feces per day. This can result in a human health hazard, evidence by the Villa Rica beach closing by Lake County Public Health.

Feeding geese an artificial food supply does not provide the waterfowl with the necessary nutrients and causes angle wing. Angel Wing is where the wing joint deforms and twists. The feathers stick out at a funny angle, usually away from the bird’s body. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done in adult birds as the wing joint will remain deformed. Waterfowl suffering from angel wing cannot fly, leaving them unable to migrate and more susceptible to predators.

Pickup Pet waste:

Clean up promptly and properly dispose pet waste, so it doesn’t end up in our lakes.

Maintain Septic Systems:

Proper maintenance of septic system is critical to ensure phosphates are not leached into the groundwater. Septic system tips from U.S. epa.gov nutrient pollution

Inspect your septic system annually

Pump out septic system regularly (Every 2-5 years for a 3 BDRM house with 1,000gallon tank)

Avoid or reduce the use of garbage disposals. Disposals contribute unnecessary solids to your septic system and increase the need for more frequent pumping

Don’t use toilets as trash cans. Excess solids can clog your drain field

Plant only grass on your drain field and avoid planting trees or bushes with extensive root systems that could damage tanks and pipes

Don’t use additives in your septic system. No scientific evidence that biological or chemical additives aid or accelerate decomposition in septic tanks. Some additives can contaminate ground water or be detrimental to your tank.

Use Phosphate and Chloride free dishwasher soap and household cleaners:

Modern laundry detergents no longer contain phosphates due to a ban passed in 1993. However, the law did not apply to dishwasher detergents and household cleaners many of which still contain phosphates. Seventeen states have banned its use, because the chemical compounds also pollute lakes, bays and streams. They create algae blooms and starve fish of oxygen. Illinois is one of the 17 states banning any cleaning agent containing more than 0.5% phosphorus by weight. Check the label of the products you use. Mrs. Meyers make household cleaners, laundry detergent, and even body care. All products work extremely well on getting out dirt, grime, and dust while smelling great. They’re all reasonably priced, sold at Walmart. Another good environmental option is a company called Tru Earth, they make laundry and dishwasher soap that is chloride and phosphorus free and also eliminates the use of large plastic jugs.

Funding for this project was provided in part by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission through a Watershed Management Board Grant