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For more than 50 years, we have known that increasing levels of phosphorus, found in items such as lawn fertilizer and detergents, are harming our lakes. Phosphorus artificially increases weed growth and algae in lakes and rivers, choking off the water's life support systems. One of the first warning signs is decreasing fish populations.
There are ways (expensive ones) to reduce phosphorus in water before it gets into rivers and lakes, but the best way is to reduce phosphorus use to begin with. Another important method is to direct development away from sensitive green spaces close to the water, wetlands, and forests so that we don't make the problem worse.
| Comparison of Phosphorus used, in two households over 90 Days | |||
| High Phosphorus Household | Phosphorus Used (grams) | Lower Phosphorus Household | Phosphorus Used (grams) |
| Human waste | 535 g | Human waste | 535 g |
| One load of dishes per day in the dishwasher using powdered detergent | 650 g | Switching to phosphate-free detergent | 0 g |
| Fertilizing a 30m x 30m lawn, once per year, with a fertilizer containing 10 percent of each of the following: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium | 1,960 g | No Fertilizer | 0 g |
| Lot cleared of trees (increases runoff) | 30 g | Leave trees standing | 20 g |
| Using commercial household cleaners | 180 g | Using phosphate-free household products | 20 g |
| Total Phosphorus Load | 3,355 g | Total Phosphorus Load | 575 g |
Click here to view Orillia's Phosphorus Reduction Plan.
Phosphorus in Lake Simcoe
Phosphorus is found in everything from toothpaste to fertilizer and most of the food we eat. While some phosphorus is natural and necessary for Lake Simcoe's health, the excessive amounts found in the lake are a result of human activity in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Every time toilets are flushed, dishwashers are turned on, clothes are laundered, or lawns fertilized, a certain amount of phosphorus is added to Lake Simcoe.
Phosphorus is one of the nutrients that is responsible for the premature aging of Lake Simcoe. It is not too late to turn the situation around so that virtually no excess nutrients are entering the watershed and finding their way to Lake Simcoe. Here are a few quick tips to reduce phosphorus and help protect Lake Simcoe:
- Reduce lawn watering - The more water that goes on your lawn, the more that enters the lake, taking phosphorus with it.
- Plant trees - Trees help reduce run-off into rivers and lakes, and also help keep our air cleaner.
- Let your grass grow - If you let your grass grow a little higher and leave clippings on your lawn, this creates healthier lawns with better growth and also fertilizes naturally.
- Reduce use of fertilizers - Lawn fertilizers are a major source of phosphorus. If you must fertilize, do it in the fall with a low-phosphorous, organic fertilizer.
- Reduce use of detergents - Laundry, car, and dish detergent are also major sources of phosphorus. Try using phosphorus-free detergents.
For more information, please review the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
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