Surface Water Management Division
Lake Management Program: Keep Your Lake Healthy
Your Actions Impact Your Lake
A lake is a reflection of the land that drains into it (also called a watershed). Anything that is added to the land will eventually be washed into the lake. Extra pollutants, nutrients, and pathogens that are washed into the lake from human sources can be especially harmful to lakes. The most common sources are lawn fertilizers, pet and animal waste, septic systems, driveways (and other impervious areas) and soil erosion. With a little care, you can make sure you are protecting your lake.
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Lawn fertilizer easily washes into the lake promoting nuisance algae growth |
Pet waste left in the yard adds harmful bacteria and nutrients to the lake |
Graphics courtesy of the Washington State Water Quality Consortium
What Can I Do?
Click on each of these topics for more information
Planting or maintaining a strip of native plants along your shoreline can help to slow and prevent the flow of nutrients into the lake. Even better, native plants are low maintenance and can add to the beauty of your shoreline without blocking views or access to the water.
Taking care of your lawn - particularly using phosphorus fertilizers - can be a huge contributor to lake nutrients. Find out how to care for your lawn while keeping your lake healthy.
A poorly maintained septic system is one of the easiest ways for additional nutrients (not to mention fecal contaminants) to enter your lake. Be sure to maintain and care for your septic system.
Even though it doesn't seem like pets would make a difference in your lake, you would be surprised how many nutrients the droppings from a few dogs can add to the lake. Pet waste also adds harmful organisms like rounddworms, E. coli and Giardia, that can persist for weeks in yards and lakes waiting for a host. Scoop the poop, bag it, and place it in the trash to protect your lake.
Reducing and slowing runoff from rain can help prevent nutrients and other pollutants from entering the lake. Most importantly, runoff from driveways and roofs should not be piped into the lake but instead directed away from the lake. You can also reduce runoff through planting rain gardens and using pervious materials that allow the water to soak into the ground.
Avoid Exposed Soil During Home and Garden Projects
Thinking about clearing some land of vegetation or taking on a home improvement project? If your project leaves soil exposed, soil erosion can occur. The soil washes into the lake and carries nutrients with it. Find out how you can help to minimize the impact of household and landscaping projects on your lake.
Not only may geese be a nuisance to you and your family - abnormally high populations of lakeshore geese leave droppings that add nutrients to lakes and contribute to swimmers itch. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the impacts of excessive geese and other waterfowl.
Contact
Gene Williams, Senior Planner, 425-388-3464 extension 4563
Marisa Burghdoff, Water Quality Analyst, 425-388-3464 extension 4639