New York State passed a law effective January 1, 2012, prohibiting the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus within 20 feet of any surface water, in addition to other restrictions.
The Fulton Chain of Lakes Association has run ads for a number of years urging residents that do fertilize their lawns to be sure to use phosphorus-free fertilizers.
Phosphorus affects water quality in a number of ways. Excess phosphorus has been linked to causing excessive aquatic vegetation and smelly algae bloom.
The algae and weeds discourage swimmers, anglers and boaters from using a water body.
Once the weeds die they use up oxygen that is vital to fish and other animals.
Phosphorus can also feed toxic blooms of blue-green algae—a bacteria called cyanobacteria—which can result in beach closings and health alerts.
Our water is precious and subject to many varieties of invasive plant life and other threats.
All are invited to join the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association on Friday August 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Inlet Town Hall for their annual meeting where Margaret Murphy PHD will be speaking on the many challenges we have to preserve and protect the Fulton Chain.
