In my two previous postings in this series, I wrote about how we should minimize our own personal “footprints” on this earth. I discussed the impact of defective septic systems leaching into adjacent bodies of water, which in our case is the Portage Lakes system.

Now we will look at another source of lake water pollution.

Many people work hard at having a beautiful, green, weed and pest free lawn.  So they liberally use chemical fertilizers, insecticides and weed killers.

Because the lands adjacent to the Portage Lakes are comprised of soils with high porosity and permeability, what is put on this soil will quickly leach through and drain into the lake (think water going through a coarse sieve). And when it rains the impact is even greater because the unfiltered runoff from a treated lawn flows directly into the lake.

The Portage Lakes drain into the Tuscarawas River which is part of the Muskingum watershed and those waters flow into the Ohio River and then into the Mississippi River and finally into the Gulf of Mexico. It is possible that what you have put on your yard may ultimately contaminate what you eat.

The issue of runoff is addressed in several different environmental studies including the Northeast Ohio Water Plan of the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO).  One of the NRFCO Action Plan goals is “Reduce fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide runoff into the watershed” and the report specifically includes lawns in the list of contamination sources. For more information go to http://www.co.summit.oh.us/nefco/PDFs/Chapter%206.pdf.

There are “green” or natural approaches to fertilization, weed and pest control that I believe are much more environmentally safe. I tend to steer clear of any product that comes with safety warnings. How can the product be good for the environment if the label says avoid skin contact, don’t inhale and keep pets away?