Lake Protection

You fertilize the lawn. Then it rains. The rain washes the fertilizer along the curb, into the storm drain, and directly into our lakes, rivers and streams. This causes algae to grow, which uses up oxygen that fish need to survive. So if you fertilize, please follow directions and use sparingly.

The problem with fertilizer.
Fertilizer is a large problem for lakes, rivers, and streams, especially if it's not used carefully. If you use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash off your lawn or garden into storm drains and then flow untreated into lakes or streams. Just like in your garden, fertilizer in lakes and streams makes plants grow. In water bodies, extra fertilizer can mean extra algae and aquatic plant growth. Too much algae harms water quality and makes boating, fishing and swimming unpleasant. As algae decay, they use up oxygen in the water that fish and other wildlife need.

What You can do to HELP ! ~ Clean Water Tips.
1. Have soil tested before applying fertilizers to your lawn or garden. A standard soil Test costs $8.00. You may not need to add any fertilizer.(Call the Umass soil testing number at 413/545-2311 or download a soil test order form www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest
2. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer application, use organic non phosphate or slow release fertilizer.
3. Don't fertilize before a rainstorm.

Clean water is important to all of us.
It's up to all of us to make it happen. In recent years sources of water pollution like industrial wastes from factories have been greatly reduced. Now, more than 60 percent of water pollution comes from things like cars leaking oil, fertilizers from farms and gardens and failing septic tanks. All these sources add up to a big pollution problem. But each of us can do small things to help clean up our water too-and that adds up to a pollution solution!

Why do we need clean water?
Having clean water is of primary importance for our health and economy. Clean water provides recreation, commercial opportunities, fish habitat, drinking water and adds beauty to our landscape. All of us benefit from clean water-and all of us have a role in getting and keeping our lakes, rivers, marine and ground waters clean.

This information is brought to you by the Department of Environmental Protection.

To find more ways of how you can help, check out the:
EPA’s Citizen Action Page -- http://www.epa.gov/ow/citizen/thingstodo.html
EPA’s NPS Do’s and Don’ts -- http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/nps/dosdont.html