Blue-Green Algae: Keeping Our Lakes Clean
How can I prevent future algal blooms?
Algal blooms often occur as a result of excess nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, in the water. Preventing algal blooms poses a significant challenge because once these nutrients are in the watershed they make take years to be flushed out. Nutrient management strategies such as reducing the use of phosphate-containing fertilizers and restoring natural shorelines can help to control nutrient loading in Wisconsin's lakes, rivers, and streams. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a number of suggestions for lakefront property owners interested in reducing their contribution to nutrient loading.
You can help keep Wisconsin's lakes clean
- Minimize the use of lawn fertilizers.
- Do NOT use phosphate-containing fertilizers.
- Perform routine maintenance on your septic system.
- Plant natural vegetation around ponds and lakes to help filter runoff.