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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.

Have questions?

Need more information?

Visit the Ringwood Borough website for Health Department News and Updates

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60 Margaret King Ave.
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Health Department
(973) 962-7079

© 2023 Borough of Ringwood, NJ. All Rights Reserved.

Site by Rapunzel Creative

60 Margaret King Ave.
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Health Department
(973) 962-7079

© 2023 Borough of Ringwood, NJ. All Rights Reserved.

Site by Rapunzel Creative

How contaminated runoff harms pets and wildlife

High algal blooms (HABs) are unsightly on the surface but cause great damage to Ringwood’s lakes—as well as to aquatic wildlife and plants, and our pets. 

The toxins generated from HABs deplete the oxygen in the water, which essentially chokes the fish and leads to fish kills. They may also inhibit grazing activities of tiny plankton and reduce the growth and reproduction of these tiny aquatic communities. These toxins also block the sunlight that underwater plants need for photosynthesis, which causes the aquatic plant life to die as well.

 

No Pets Allowed!

Many dog owners enjoy tossing sticks into the lakes for their dogs to fetch. And many dogs love to plunge in to cool off in the lake on a hot summer day. During periods of high algae bloom, this is quite dangerous for our pets as well as area wildlife that lives near or relies on lake water.

After all, while humans can see these blooms and read signs warning them not to enter the water, our pets and wildlife cannot make that judgment call. When the lake water is dangerous for us to be in, it’s crucial to also keep our pets out. Pets and the many deer, rabbits, raccoons and other animals in our town can be poisoned through drinking or swimming in toxin-contaminated water.

Ringwood-pets-and-wildlife-care

No Pets Allowed!

Many dog owners enjoy tossing sticks into the lakes for their dogs to fetch. And many dogs love to plunge in to cool off in the lake on a hot summer day. During periods of high algae bloom, this is quite dangerous for our pets as well as area wildlife that lives near or relies on lake water.

After all, while humans can see these blooms and read signs warning them not to enter the water, our pets and wildlife cannot make that judgment call. When the lake water is dangerous for us to be in, it’s crucial to also keep our pets out. Pets and the many deer, rabbits, raccoons and other animals in our town can be poisoned through drinking or swimming in toxin-contaminated water.

Signs your pet has been exposed to HABs

Symptoms of HAB exposure in pets may include

  • excessive salivation
  • fatigue
  • difficulty breathing
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • seizures

Death can occur within hours to days of exposure.

Signs your pet has been exposed to HABs

Symptoms of HAB exposure in pets may include

  • excessive salivation
  • fatigue
  • difficulty breathing
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • seizures

Death can occur within hours to days of exposure.

These EPA videos explain algal issues

What Are Harmful Algal Blooms?

Watch Video

Consequences of algal blooms

Watch Video

You can also learn more at SepticSmart Homeowners

Learn More

Protect Your Property Value. Protect Our Lakes.

Pump your septic tank and have it inspected.
A well-maintained septic system:

  • Prevents groundwater contamination
  • Saves you a costly system replacement
  • Keeps our lakes open and safe for all to enjoy

Protect Property Value
Septic systems are designed to be periodically inspected and pumped to function properly and avoid expensive problems. Maintaining your septic tank according to schedule saves homeowners money on costly repairs or replacements. And because it keeps pollutants out of leach fields and groundwater, routine septic care also maintains property values—a win-win situation for all Ringwood residents!

Top 4 Things You Can Do To Protect Your Septic System

Inspect and pump out your system every three years

Use water efficiently

Don't dispose of non-biodegradable items or household hazardous liquids in sinks or toilets

Care for your leach field – avoid excessive water use, repair leaky toilets and drains, remove tree and plant roots that interfere with pipes, avoid damage from heavy vehicles on top of the field.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Learn how to care for your septic and keep it in the best condition, from the Ringwood Health Department.

Learn More

Septic System Operation & Maintenance Checklist

Learn More

Septic Installation Guidance for Homeowners

A helpful guide about the installation process from the Ringwood Health Department.

Learn More

NJDEP Homeowner Septic Information

Learn More
Septic Inspection Companies

EPA Septic Smart Video: Learn How to Make a Difference

Watch Video

Alternatives to Chemicals and Fertilizers

Consider a switch from phosphate- or nitrate-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 nitrate-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.