
Alternatives to Chemicals and Fertilizers
Consider a switch from phosphorus- or nitrogen-based fertilizers to environmentally friendly lawn amendments. Doing so prevents groundwater contamination that ends up running off into waterways and lakes causing harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Why is this so important? Because the cyanotoxins HABs release produce adverse health effects that range from a mild skin rash and hay fever-type symptoms to serious illnesses. For our residents’ health and safety, HABs cause us to close lakes to swimmers and boaters. No one wants that! It also harms aquatic flora and fauna.
Green solutions protect our groundwater and lakes, reduce HABs, and create a safer environment for your home and family.
Green solutions protect our groundwater and lakes, reduce HABs, and create a safer environment for your home and family.


Use phosphorus-free and nitrogen-free fertilizers, avoid pesticides on lawns and garden beds.
Swap your toxic household chemical cleaners with less deleterious “natural” plant-based products.
Be careful about what you flush—expired medications must be disposed of properly at the pharmacy; recycle hazardous materials at utilities collection sites.

Minimize Runoff
which picks up and carries pollutants to our lakes. Reduce impermeable surfaces that create runoff, and don’t overwater your lawn.

Eliminate Pollutants
at their source by avoiding use of harmful fertilizers, household toxins, and other chemicals. Prevent failing septic systems that contribute to ground pollution.

Capture & Isolate
any pollutant-carrying runoff before it reaches the lakes with shoreline buffer plantings, rain barrels, and rain gardens.
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