(Published Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:13:11 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Don't be surprised if that pesky problem of algae and weed growth on area lakes is worse next year.
Last month's deluges drained untold oodles of phosphorous from lawns and fields and dumped it into our rivers and lakes.
Phosphorous is a nutrient that stimulates plant growth. Put too much of it in our lakes, and you wind up with algae blooms that are not only troublesome but can be deadly.
In recent years, communities around Delavan and Geneva lakes have sensibly considered or enacted bans on lawn fertilizers containing phosphorous. Oconomowoc, home to two lakes among a chain, just enacted a ban that will take effect in January.
Madison's lakes are part of what make Dane County special, and that county enacted a ban in 2004 that an appeals court wisely upheld last year.
Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, and Rep. Gary Bies, R-Sister Bay, have proposed legislation to restrict use of phosphorous statewide. That is a good idea. Minnesota is the only state to have taken this smart step.
In the meantime, residents can do their part by making sure fertilizers they buy do not contain phosphorous, which isn't needed to keep your lawn looking green. Some lawn-care companies have even stopped using phosphorous. If you employ one, ask whether it uses phosphorous.
Of course, enacting a statewide ban on phosphorous in lawn fertilizers is only one small step to keep runoff pollutants out of our waters. In a column the Gazette published in March, Janesville's Brian Swingle, executive director of the Wisconsin Green Industry Federation, even argued that a ban on phosphorous in fertilizer applied around Geneva Lake would have "a negligible, if any, effect on reducing the amount of phosphorous" in the lake.
Swingle argued that a bigger problem is development that builds more roofs and lays more concrete and blacktop. When less ground is available to absorb rain, storm water carries leaves, soil and sediment-all containing phosphorous-into lakes.
So what else can homeowners do? Do not mow your lawn shorter than 3 inches so it can absorb heavy rains. Sweep or blow fertilizers, grass clippings and leaves off sidewalks, driveways and streets. Swingle even suggests that a well-maintained lawn provides a natural, protective blanket that reduces runoff.
Furthermore, encourage your municipal government to use street sweepers more often.
A statewide ban on phosphorous in lawn fertilizers might have only a "negligible" effect. But as weeds and algae continue to plague our lakes, it's a small step worth taking.
