I have an important question and I need some good answers, please?

Question

I belong to an environmental group and it is about saving a lake, yes you read that right, it's about a lake. It is a big lake and many people live and have cottages along it. The group I belong to is small only 300 members, but all they seem to worry about are the phosphates going into the lake, that is mostly all they tell people, to not use phosphates. Don't you think they should be suggesting more things that people can do to help improve the quality of a lake, (the lake is also polluted) or atleast prevent it from getting worse? I thought of use rechargable batteries, and use eco-friendly paint. Do you have good idea's that peolpe can do to improve water quality?

Answer 1

Phosphates are a big one because they do a lot to contribute to the 'downfall' of a lake.  They encourage algae blooms, which contributes to the deoxygenation of the lake (creating a dead lake where no fish or plants will grow). This is because as the algae die, bacteria break them down, with the help of oxygen. The more food (algae), the more bacteria, the more oxygen used.

However, you are right to think that there are many other things that need to be done.  One of the things you might want to look into is a rain garden.  These can be built on a hillside near the lake, and can help absorb, and then clean, excess water that falls. The water is filtered through the rain garden and then ends up going back to the lake or the ground water.

Also, look towards other plants that can be put into the lake itself. They help use up any excess nutrients as well as putting oxygen back into the water.  They will also provide shelter for any fish that may inhabit the lake.  

Along with putting plants into the lake, you could also put plants along the shore line to help with erosion, which helps prevent excess soil and dirt (and therefore chemicals and fertilizers) from entering into the lake.

Just a few ideas. Hope it helps and good luck with this.

Answer 2

kitty is right but doesn't go far enough. In almost every instance, phosphate pollution is the biggest contributor to degradation of fresh water. It is also one of the easiest to control, although people don't want to do it. Phosphates bind closely to soil particles and reach your lake through erosion. The best thing to do is to stop mowing to the shoreline and to plant a wooded buffer. People don't want to lose the view of the lake that they paid for and are reluctant to put in a proper buffer with trees. However, low shrubs will do almost as good a job without blocking the view. That's less lawn to mow, as well. If anybody hits their lawn with fertilizer and pesticides, you can point out where all that goes. Usually, that sort of extensive lawn care is a complete waste of money too..

Answer 3

do your best to avoid dumping of wastes in the lake. but i suggest you get direct help from your government. your group will not be able to protect that lake if you are only few.