Using less phosphorus improves water quality
There is a huge problem across Minnesota: algae in our lakes, ponds and other bodies of water – specifically, Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet, which in the past was very healthy and rarely had problems with harmful algae. The algae I am referring to is blue-green algae; the name is deceiving because it really is a type of bacteria, cyanobacteria. This bacterium is not always toxic; however it is nearly impossible to indicate whether or not it is just by looking at it. When this bacterium is in the water of our lakes, not only can it affect the health of humans and wildlife, but it also has a large effect on the health and clarity of Minneapolis’ water. If the water quality in our lakes is severely affected, beaches can be closed, and aquatic animals’ homes are threatened. Unfortunately, in May of 2023, many Minneapolis news media stations like WCCO and Fox 9 KMSP reported there being blue-green algae found in Lake Harriet. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, an agency which keeps track of environmental quality, “You can become sick if you swallow, have skin contact with or breathe in airborne water droplets while swimming, boating, waterskiing, tubing, bathing or showering in water that has harmful algae or if you drink water that contains algal toxins.”
So what can citizens do to help combat this problem? Information from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Water Quality Lead Mike Sorenson and Water Clarity Specialist Katelynn Chamberlain suggests the best thing for citizens to do is cut back on phosphorus usage in yards and on plants, and monitor the storm drains in our streets. This is because phosphorus feeds this kind of algae, helping it grow and spread. A good alternative to phosphorus is compost. Compost is great for plant growth and the health of your yard, and it is very cost effective and easy to get a hold of. As for the storm drains, everything that goes down those drains goes straight to a body of water in Minneapolis that can handle it. Meaning all of the leaves, trash or phosphorus-covered grass clippings are going straight to our lakes. Not only does that affect the water, but nutrients from snow melt and quickly rising temperatures have a large impact on algae growth as well.
Minnesotans love our lakes, so it is important we take these easy steps of lessening phosphorus and pesticide usage on lawns and watch what we allow to flow down the storm drains. As the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we want everyone to stay clean and create a safe environment for us to enjoy.
Gabi Grimm
Student at The Blake School
