The weather is warming up and we can all spend more time outside! Many of us will be spending that time with furry friends, taking walks, playing fetch, and other fun games. But our canine companions can have a huge impact on our water quality. The average dog in Colorado creates almost 274 pounds of poop per year! That adds up to about 39 million pound of phosphorus and 9 million pounds of nitrogen.
Unfortunately, these nutrients can make their way into our lakes, rivers and streams. This can result in algal blooms and even kill fish. Please remember to scoop that poop and make sure it gets into the closest trash can!
Another favorite activity for many is working in our yard or garden. This often results in the same nutrient issues as dog waste. Here are three things you can do differently to reduce your impact this season:
- Go easy on the fertilizer. Do the math and only use the amount of product needed for the square footage in your yard.
- Buy phosphorus-free fertilizer. Ask at the store where you buy your fertilizer.
- Avoid over-cutting and over-watering. Leaving your grass a little longer will reduce the need for water in the heat of the summer. Added bonus: lower water bills!
For more information on Stormwater, visit Greeleygov.com/Stormwater.
