Take a drive through rural Allen County some balmy day next spring. Pay attention when you drive past farm ponds near the road, or cross streams that flow at a trickle.
Don’t be surprised if a portion of the water is covered with a green sheen, an unsightly scum that is the result of nutrient pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released findings of a survey that showed nutrient pollution was wide-spread in the nation’s lakes, four in 10 holding too much nitrogen and phosphorus. Both are fertilizers and it’s logical to assume in some instances they are the culprits that taint bodies of water.
A news release from the EPA noted: Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms, lower oxygen levels, degrade habitat for fish and other life and lower water quality for recreation. Also, the assessment found an algal toxin, microcystin, in 39 percent of lakes, but below levels of concern. Low concentrations of Atrazine, a herbicide used keep crop fields clean of weeds, were found in about 30 percent of lakes tested.
Meanwhile, don’t go on the warpath against farmers. The EPA mentioned no need for remediation, though individual landowners surely are cognizant of what is occurring. In most cases ponds provide water for livestock and if the unsightly accumulations were a danger, they would be the first to take action. Also, an advantage of assessments is to know concerns and be prepared to deal with them before they reach crisis stage.
That is truer of lakes used for recreation and as drinking water sources than the run-of-the-mill farm pond that covers a minuscule area.
To better understand water quality and know remedies if an issue arises, contact the Extension Service. Its agents can provide insight about what can be done if unwanted levels of invasive chemicals are present.
It may be trite, but the old axiom “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” usually rings true.
— Bob Johnson
