LASA:

Reducing Phosphorus

Ever stricter water quality standards are forcing Loch Alpine residents and LASA to reduce the amount of pollutants that make their way into the Huron River. One pollutant is phosphorus and there are multiple sources of this chemical. Excellent information about this problem and potential solution is available on the web.

LASA is installing a new iron filtration system to address one component of this problem, but it will not completely eliminate phosphorus from the water that is discharged from the LASA sewage treatment plant. If the new iron filter system and resident efforts are not adequate, then it may be necessary to install a filter to remove phosphorus as part of the sewage treatment process before it is discharged into the Huron River. Such a system could cost each household approximately $1400.00 to install.

Inside the Home

Inside the home, the most effective thing you can do is to minimize the use of cleaning products that contain phosphorus. Soaps and detergents used in automatic dishwashing machines contain significant amounts of phosphorus. The amount of phosphorus in these detergents is not regulated and can vary greatly from product to product. For example, "Cascade" contains over 8% phosphorus while "Palmolive Gel" only contains 1.6%. LASA strongly urges the use of products with low phosphorus levels.

Outside the Home

The Huron River Watershed Council has been educating and informing people about the simple steps they can take outside the home to “get the phosphorus out”. These steps are easy to follow, and can save time and money.

Over-application of fertilizers wastes money, ruins plants and pollutes local waterways. Residents can help reduce phosphorus in the Huron River by doing the following:

1. Put your lawn to work for you. Grass clippings are the ideal food source for your lawn. Grass clippings, mulched leaves and compost also provide organic matter, which keeps soils from compacting.

2. Check yard and garden product labels. If you decide to use commercial fertilizers, always choose a low-phosphorus fertilizer (indicated by the middle number of the three number series on the bag), because most soils in this area are already high in phosphorus.

3. Spread lightly. Most manufacturers’ guidelines are excessive for this area. One application of low phosphorus fertilizer in the fall is adequate for most lawns.

4. Make a clean sweep. Keep fertilizer out of storm drains and ditches by using a broom to clean up spills on sidewalks and driveways.

5. Get your soil tested. Learn what your lawn and garden need for optimum health and growth. Testing services are provided at a low cost through your county MSU Extension Agent, and agents provide individual recommendations based on your soil tests results.

Residents can also make a few simple changes in lawn care practices that can save time and money, while improving the quality of lawns and protecting water resources.

1. Mow high. The roots of your lawn grow as deep as the grass grows tall, so taller grass has deeper, healthier roots. Keep your lawn three inches or higher, and never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade each time you mow. Leave the clippings right on your lawn for a natural fertilizer.

2. Water sparingly. Over-watering can damage plants, stimulate fungus, and leach nutrients out of the soil.

3. Create a smaller lawn area. Use trees, shrubs and flowers to landscape the rest of your yard.

4. Landscape with deep-rooted native plants. They are naturally suited to our weather and soil conditions.

5. Put rain water to work for you. Border your lawn with deep-rooted flowers and shrubs to prevent water runoff. Direct down sprouts into the garden area, or install rain barrels to collect water for use during dry weather.

Reproduced in part from Huron River Watershed Council