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Many Snohomish County lakes are in trouble. They are suffering from too much phosphorus pollution.
Excess phosphorus causes:
- increased algae
- toxic algae blooms
- reduced water clarity
- stress on fish and wildlife
Phosphorus pollution comes from properties that drain to lakes and is carried into lakes by rain and groundwater. Common phosphorus sources include:
- fertilizers
- septic systems
- land clearing/soil erosion
- pet wastes
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Upcoming Events
Natural Lawn Care Workshop
Coming Oct/Nov 2013
Septic Care Workshop
Coming Oct/Nov 2013
Be Part of the Solution:
Have your property “LakeWise Certified.”
Sign up for a FREE LakeWise visit by email or call 425-388-3204. |
You Can Make Clear Choices for Healthy Lakes |
 Lawns and Yards
When rainwater flows over our yards and gardens, it picks up fertilizers, soil particles, animal wastes and carries them into ditches, streams, and eventually to your lake. There are simple changes we can make to have healthy families, healthy lawns, and healthy lakes.
- Avoid fertilizers. If you do fertilize, apply phosphorus-free products.
Soils in our area have plenty of phosphorus, so you can have a green lawn without hurting your lake.
- Attend a FREE natural lawn care workshop.
Natural Yard Care techniques will grow beautiful, and easy-to-care-for yards and gardens that are healthier for your family, pets, and your lake. Next workshop is April 10, 2013 - Find out more and Register today
- Divert roof runoff into stable, vegetated areas.
Slow stormwater runoff by directing downspouts into lawns, planting beds or rain gardens.
- Fix eroding areas in yard, driveway and parking area.
Soil particles hold lots of phosphorus. Stopping soil erosion will prevent more phosphorus from reaching your lake.
- Cover bare soil areas with mulch or plants.
Covering up bare soils with mulch or plants will keep the soil and the phosphorus it carries from washing into your lake.
- Scoop pet waste, bag it and place it in the trash.
Pet poop is loaded with harmful bacteria and phosphorus. Properly disposing of pet waste protects the health of your family and your lake. |
View LakeWise lawn care information
View natural lawn and yard care information
View information
on how to dispose
of pet waste |
Septic Systems
Septic systems that are not regularly maintained can be a significant source of pollution to your lake and can expose people to pathogens and viruses. A failing septic system is also expensive to repair. By practicing proper septic system care and maintenance, you can protect your lake and keep your septic system running for years to come.
- Attend a FREE septic care workshop.
- Schedule an inspection by a certified professional.
- Commit to a septic system inspection every 3 years.
The Next LakeWise Septic Care Workshops will be in Oct/Nov 2013 - Dates TBD |
View information
on septic systems |
Shorelines
The lake shoreline is the last line of defense for lakes. A naturally vegetated shoreline filters out pollution and stabilizes the bank from wind and wave action. Lawns aren't effective filters letting 7-9 times more phosphours to enter the lake than other plants. Shoreline vegetation can be attractive and designed to preserve your lake access and views.
- Keep natural shorelines.
If you already have a natural shoreline with tall grasses, shrubs, or trees, you are helping to protect your lake.
- Re-establish or enhance shoreline vegetation. Replacing your lawn with taller grasses, trees, or shrubs can help filter pollution out before it gets to the lake. You can improve your shoreline and maintain lake access and view cooridors. We can help you with planting ideas and resources to help you get started.
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View information
on natural vegetation |
What is it?
LakeWise Certification recognizes properties where landowners have implemented Clear Choices to protect their lake. Your property can be certified in any of the three categories described above.
If your property becomes LakeWise Certified in lawns and yards and septic systems, you will receive a "LakeWise Certified" sign that you can display on your fence or near your driveway. If you are certified for Shorelines you will also receive a "Healthy Lakeshore" recognition to go with your certification sign.
Becoming LakeWise Certified is a real achievement. You are helping control phosphorus pollution and protecting your lake. So, we want to acknowledge your efforts to contribute to your community.
As signs go up on participating properties, the whole community can keep track of how many properties are becoming LakeWise Certified and taking steps to protect their lake.
How can my property become "LakeWise Certified?"
The process is easy. Sign up for a free LakeWise visit. Then, a local expert will meet with you to go over the actions you are taking on your property and provide practical suggestions about the best ways to implement the Clear Choices. This is not an inspection, just a way to communicate effective ideas to help you get started or take the next step. |
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What is the LakeWise Program?
LakeWise is a new program sponsored by Snohomish County Surface Water Management in cooperation with local citizens. The program is a response to disturbing changes in the health of our lakes in recent years.
The program acknowledges that lake protection depends on the actions of all people who live in lake watersheds—the land areas that drain to lakes. Working together, we can have healthy lakes. |
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Contacts:
To learn more or sign up for a LakeWise visit contact:
© Snohomish County 2012
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