Page 4 - PGA Community News - August '19

Page 4, PGA C.A.N.! August 2019 August 2019

Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways of warm, sunny, calm conditions.
However, human activity often can
And How You Can Minimize trigger or accelerate algal blooms.

Its Growth Natural sources of nutrients such as
phosphorus or nitrogen compounds
can be supplemented by a variety of
By O’Neal Bardin Jr., human activities. For example, in rural
Executive Director, areas, agricultural runoff from fields
Northern Palm Beach can wash fertilizers into the water.
County Improvement In urban areas, nutrient sources can
District cause stormwater runoff that carries
The term “algae” is pollutants such as lawn fertilizers.
generally used to refer to a Algae growth depends on weather
wide variety of different and patterns, temperature, and nutrients
dissimilar photosynthetic in the water. While blooms happen
organisms, generally naturally, an imbalance of phosphorus
microscopic. Depending on and nitrogen, in particular, can
the species, algae can inhabit accelerate an algal bloom’s growth
fresh or salt water. In modern significantly. Pollutants from construction runoff, fertilized If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free
taxonomic systems, algae are usually assigned to one of six yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater runoff, pet product, and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it when
divisions. The misnamed blue-green algae are often grouped waste, and decomposing leaves, grass clippings, and other there’s no rain in the forecast.
with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the organic materials also contribute to nutrient imbalances in And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or compost
cells. However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic the water. Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in is any better than a chemical version, anything that’s going
bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. summer months also can encourage algae blooms, as does to make your garden plants grow is going to make algae
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in standing water, which is warmer than circulating water and grow as well. It’s best to avoid fertilizers generally.
shape and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, can act like an incubator – another significant influence. Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, but Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
natural and essential part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, it can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing algae should be bagged and removed from the property to prevent
the phytoplankton are the base of the aquatic food chain. on your lake? The most effective thing to do is reduce the them from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody.
Small freshwater crustaceans and other small animals number of algae-feeding nutrients, especially phosphorus, When organic materials are allowed to decompose in
consume the phytoplankton and in turn are consumed by that make it into the water. Here are some tips to keep your freshwater resources, they release undesirable nutrients that
larger animals. lake in tip-top shape. are responsible for fueling nuisance plant and algae growth.
Under certain conditions, several species of true Be Careful With Fertilizer Ask your lawn-care company to remove grass clippings and
algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants – but leaves to prevent decomposition in or around ponds and
various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages lakes.
accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the algae to bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether if Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of
water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river you’re close to a water source – plant native plants instead, excess nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags
increase explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, which are well-adapted to the environment and don’t require into lakes and canals. They will eventually break down and
ponds, and slow-moving canals are most susceptible to special maintenance. Implement landscaping strategies, release those toxins into the waterway.
blooms. like xeriscaping, that increase groundwater filtration before NPDES tip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and
Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur water enters the pond or lake. don’t dump any debris into lakes and canals.
with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on weather
and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on
local conditions and characteristics of the particular body
of water. Blooms generally occur where there are high
levels of nutrients present, together with the occurrence

Garage sales/yard • Remodels / New Construction / Additions
• New Roofs / Roof Replacements
sales are NOT allowed • Roof Repairs / Roof Leaks

• Gutter Installation / Cleaning
in PGA National. • Damaged / Missing Roof Tiles
• Fascia / Soffit Repair
• Pressure Cleaning
• Handyman Services
• Insurance Estimates / Repairs
• Insurance Services for Adjusters / Claims LEO Roofing & Construction

3804 Burns Road, Suite D
Find us on: Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
P: 561.935.4979 / F: 561.935.9337
Home HealtH Care... Ask us about the Ygrene Federally E: info@leorc.com / W: www.leorc.com

With My Personal Touch! sponsored finance program that
enables you to re-roof and pay over
Once in a while, time with very low interest rates! Florida State Certified
everyone needs a little help. Building & Roofing Contractors
CBC 1254723 / CCC 1328402
• Personal Care
• Meal PreParation see whAt our Clients hAve to sAy:
• CoMPanionshiP Florida owner and
• light housekeePing local resident for “We love the tiles! They really help this poor old
• Pet anD Plant Care over 20 years house! Thanks for the upgrade and all your hard
• DoCtor aPPointMents work.” - Toni & Jim, WPB
• transPortation
Frank Leo “The #1 roofer in Palm Beach County.”
Kathy Barnes, Cna, Lic. #117325 - Michael, Jupiter
Some people prefer the same person who is reliable and
qualified. They find the caregiver to be more compassionate, Call today for a free estimate! 561-935-4979
friendly, fun and on time.
Trained Private Individual Major Credit Cards Accepted
Caregiver CNA NOT an Agency State Roofing License #CCC1328402 • State Builder License #CBC1254723
•
Experienced - Security Clearance - Insured www.LEORC.com
Call Today Roofing • Roof Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Additions • Insurance Work • Mold Remediation
561-252-2836 Stucco • Painting • Windows • Custom Cabinetry • Granite & Marble • Carpentry • Flooring