Clean Water News

Will Help Protect Wisconsin Lakes From Awful Algae Blooms

Madison, WI – Today at the Capitol, bi-partisan legislation was introduced to restrict phosphorous in lawn fertilizer.  The bill (LRB 09/06761), backed by Wisconsin Environment and authored by Senators Mark Miller and Rob Cowles and Representatives Spencer Black and Gary Bies is a common sense measure to help protect Wisconsin’s lakes from algae blooms. 

“Our lakes are a treasure, but the lakes we love are in danger,” said Wisconsin Environment Director, Dan Kohler. “Chemicals in lawn fertilizer are ending up in our lakes, adding nutrients like phosphorous, and as a result, our beaches and best fishing spots are getting choked with algae.”

Polluted runoff is Wisconsin’s number one water quality problem, degrading or threatening an estimated 90% of our inland lakes.  One particular runoff problem comes in the form of excess nutrients like phosphorous that can wash into our lakes and streams from lawns, streets, construction sites and agricultural sources.  Even small amounts of phosphorous runoff can cause algae blooms, water quality decline and impact recreational use.

“We need to protect our lakes for our children and future generations,” said Kohler. “Dane county has established a successful policy to protect waterways from phosphorous, and now we need to make it statewide to protect all of our lakes.” 

A growing body of research indicates that restricting the use of phosphorous in lawn fertilizers can be an effective way to reduce the amount of phosphorous that is washed into our lakes from residential areas.  Studies confirm that most residential lawns in Wisconsin already have more than enough phosphorus.

“Wisconsin Environment applauds Senators Mark Miller and Rob Cowles and Representatives Spencer Black and Gary Bies for their leadership introducing legislation to protect Wisconsin’s lakes,” said Kohler.  “We are calling the Legislature to move this bill through committee quickly and adopt the measure before Wisconsin lakes are further threatened.”

Wisconsin Environment looks forward to working with all legislators to protect Wisconsin’s lakes. 

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Wisconsin Environment is a state-based, citizen-funded environmental group working for clean air, clean water, and open space. www.wisconsinenvironment.org