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Matt Newell of the Geist Watershed Alliance.
We should all care about the water quality of Geist Reservoir. We drink it. We swim in it. And it affects our property values.
Unfortunately, toxic blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) love Geist Reservoir as much as we do. The combination of shallow and calm water, moderate seasonal temperatures, sunlight, and a high nutrient load make Geist an ideal environment for toxic algae.
Nutrient load, the mass of nitrogen and phosphorus that drain into a waterway, comes from leaves, grass clippings, topsoil runoff, manure, septic tanks, and agricultural and residential fertilizer runoff. Algae are particularly fond of phosphorus.
Given a high nutrient load, algae will outcompete all other forms of aquatic vegetation in our reservoir. As it blooms, algae prevent sunlight from penetrating the water and inhibit growth of beneficial native aquatic plants. At night, algae consume dissolved oxygen in the water and can kill fish. Toxic algae can cause serious illness to pets, waterfowl, and humans. It looks bad, smells bad, limits reservoir recreation, and increases the treatment cost of our drinking water.
So while we can’t change some of conditions that affect the reservoir’s water (like the weather), we can reduce the reservoir’s nutrient load. An important first step is to change how we fertilize our lawns.
Most established lawns in Indiana already have enough phosphorous. By purchasing phosphate free lawncare products and services we can significantly reduce the reservoir’s nutrient load. Your lawn will not know the difference.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP – this spring, if you fertilize, please buy the bag with a “0” in the middle. For example, a bag with the label 29-0-5 contains no phosphorus. (The three numbers on a bag of fertilizer identify the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content). If you use a lawncare service, request a zero phosphate treatment. Waterfront properties should not fertilize within 15 feet of the water’s edge. Finally, consider replacing one fertilizer application with a mechanical aeration.
The EPA estimates that only 35% of lawn fertilizer actually makes it to the lawn. The rest is vaporized or leaches into the water. Zero phosphate fertilizer is an essential first step to a cleaner reservoir.
To learn about what else you can do to improve our reservoir, visit the Geist Watershed Alliance website at www.atGeist.com/water.
Your community thanks you.
Nice article. I think we could use that kind of awareness out hear on the west coast as well.
John
As someone who will be moving to the Geist area, but not on the reservoir, I thank you for your efforts.
To those that much has been given, much is required. The water in Geist is used for drinking water for thousands that live nowhere near the lake.
Your efforts are not only appreciated by your neighbors, but also by everyone that depends on the public resource that your homes share space with.
Thanks again.
This is a very useful article. The author explains what I always thought, but didn't know for sure. Where can I buy zero phosphate products? I do not live near Geist Reservoir.
The lake near me has a coot problem. Do the coots eat algae?
Hey, I like Coots!
Here are some Home Depot links. You have to hunt a little but they are in there. Scotts and Vigero are two that I found. There are lots of smaller boutique brands, which I associate with more money. I also discovered that Organic does not necessarily mean phosphate free.
Happy Fertilizing
Hey Matt! How about an article for getting rid of dandelions without poison.
http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden-Center-F…
http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden-Center-F…
My folks live on Geist. The algae problem got me thinking. There has to be a better way than industrial manufactured fertilizers.
I researched and learned of an organic product that is far superior to Scotts, TruGreen or Chemlawn.
I created a business called Chemical Free Grass, LLC. You can look for my signs out before the end of February. Website is almost developed too!
For information call (317) 426-1515
Rather than using fertilizer, you should look into using a natural soil amendment, such as worm castings. This is a great additive to topdress your lawn with instead of chemical fertilizers. Worm castings are all natural organic materials that are composted by a specific type of worms…red wigglers. Take a look for yourself at http://www.asthewormturns.com Your lawns and plants will thank you withougt the evil runoff harming the lake.