Protect lake and pond health at your home

Protecting and improving shoreland health is critical for maintaining a health lake. You can further prevent water pollution at its source by taking these actions.

• Eliminate or reduce use of lawn chemicals and winter deicing salts containing chloride. These products may have unintended consequences in a lake. Excess nutrients from lawns can contribute to algae blooms. Chemicals, including chloride from deicing salts can be harmful to aquatic life.
• Clean up dog waste. As it degrades, it releases nutrients and bacteria that can end up in the lake.
• Sweep up grass clippings and leaves from your driveway and street. Rain washes whatever is on these surfaces into a stormdrain which empties into the lake or nearby pond. These are one of the most common sources of nutrients in urban areas. Compost the material or dispose through your yard waste hauler or at a yard waste dump site.
• Adopt a storm drain. Adopt a drain in your neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Sign up at www.adopt-a-drain.org.