Keepin' the "P" Out of Our Lakes and Rivers
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filed under:
Water
Tips for keeping phosphorus out of our lakes and streams
Kayaker on Lake Pend Oreille
One thing Idaho gets to boast about is the water clarity in some of our biggest lakes—such as Priest and Pend Oreille.
But to keep these and other lakes and rivers beautiful and healthy, we must keep phosphorus well away from them.
Phosphorus (element symbol P) is a nutrient that feeds invasive plants, clouds water clarity and robs oxygen from fish. It's one of the culprits that forms unsightly and unhealthy algae blooms.
Here are a few tips for keep P out of our lakes and streams:
- Use phosphorus-free dishwashing detergent.
- If you live near a river or lake, maintain a wide buffer of native plants between your home, driveway, walkways and the lake. The plants help trap and absorb harmful runoff.
- Landscape with native plants and avoid fertilizing your yard or garden near the shoreline. Native plants need less water and fertilizer, which contains nutrients.
- Dispose of pet and yard waste far from surface water.
- Watch your ash! Don't burn anywhere near the shoreline with a campfire or a burn pile.
- If you live near the shoreline and are on a septic system, have your system regularly inspected.
