A Green Lawn Doesn’t have to Mean Green Lakes and Rivers
We all want green lawns but doing it the right way ensures we have great water, too. Excess nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, pollute stormwater runoff from urban areas. This pollution contributes to the third greatest cause of lake and river deterioration in the U.S. where more than 100,000 miles of rivers are impaired for nutrients.
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) & Phosphorus Reduction
The City is required to make progress towards TMDL requirements of the MPCA including reducing phosphorus to the Straight River. Implementing this plan is VERY costly to our community and rate payers. More information can be found here: Owatonna Pollutant Reduction Strategy (arcgis.com)
Did you know?
- The average cost of removing 1 pound of phosphorus is roughly $10,000!
- Phosphorus in grass clippings from 1 lawn mowing can produce up to 100 pounds of unwanted algae!
- Leaf litter and yard waste account for 56% of the phosphorus in urban stormwater!
- 1 pound of fertilizer over-application of an average lawn can equate to 34 pounds of excess algae growth in streams and lakes, that’s 1 ton per every 60 homes!
- Poor management of stormwater pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus, directly impacts your monthly stormwater rates!
How You Can Help Minimize Costs
- Property owners are encouraged to explore feasibility of installing permanent stormwater treatment systems such as filtration basins, stormwater ponds, and rain gardens.
- Developers are encouraged to go above and beyond the minimum post construction management of stormwater quality and quantity requirements.
- Have a storm drain near your home? Volunteer to adopt it through the City’s Adopt a Catch Basin Program and receive a complimentary rake to keep it free of leaves and debris.
- Adjust your sprinkler system based on weather, repair any leaks, and reduce runoff.
- Sweep up your grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from driveways, sidewalks, and the street. Don’t forget to keep the gutters cleared.
- Clean up any excess fertilizer that has spread onto hard surfaces during application.
- Even as the weather turns cold, continue scooping your pet’s waste.
Join our Adopt-A-Catch Basin Program, explore out rain garden cost share program, or check out a Storm Drain Marking Kit by contacting stormwater@owatonna.gov