Excess Nutrients from Land Uses
Nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium can cause harmful algal blooms
The problem
Excess nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers and septic systems enter Duxbury Bay, increasing algal growth and reducing water quality, which harms fish and shellfish and negatively impacts recreational use of the bay.
How nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in surface run-off negatively impact water quality
- Water is the main carrier of nutrient pollution
- Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers enter water systems via surface runoff when fertilizer is either over-applied or misapplied
- Nutrients promote excess plant growth, and in the worst case leads to algal blooms and nuisance seaweed growth
- Algal blooms blocks sunlight from entering the water and depletes the bottom waters of oxygen causing death to aquatic life
- The Harbor bottom collects nutrient pollution from our land use and drives further growth of algae and nuisance plants
- Nutrient pollution does not go away, it accumulates. Therefore it is imperative that we limit further inputs of nutrients to our water bodies.
How can you help limit excess nutrient levels in ground water?
In Duxbury, lost nutrients from residential and commercial land practices quickly find their way to the coastal waters, harbors, ponds, and streams where they may cause contamination that is harmful to aquatic organisms as well as to human health and welfare.
Together, by following best practices for lawn fertilization and proactively caring for our septic systems, our community can make a positive and significant impact to water quality.
Follow Lawn Fertilizer Best Practices
By applying the right fertilizer in the right amount at the right times of year, you’ll see the following benefits:
1. Your lawn will be green and healthy.
2. You’ll save money by not over-fertilizing.
3. You’ll protect the bay and its fisheries from excess fertilizer runoff that reduces water quality and clarity.
It’s up to all of us to do our part by following a few key lawn fertilizer best practices. Learn More→
Proactively care for your septic system
Residential septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems. A properly functioning septic system does not pollute the groundwater. It is important to understand how your septic system works and to take the proper measures to proactively ensure its health and safety. Learn more about caring for your septic system→
Take the Landscaper Pledge
If you own a landscaping business operating in Duxbury, take our landscaper pledge and join our directory of landscaping companies committed to the health and safety of our water supply.
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