Apple Valley: Household Substances Can Turn Lakes Green

Apple Valley, MN – Green water doesn't fit the ideal image of summertime at the lake, but it is a common enough occurrence this time of year.

The green color is caused by microscopic algae. Just like other plants, they gather nutrients from their surroundings and use the sun to grow.

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When an overabundance of a key nutrient, phosphorus, makes its way to local lakes, the algae population can explode, according to a news release.

Lakes can turn so green you may not even be able to see your hand if you were to put your arm in the water up to your elbow.

The storm drain on the street connects directly to local lakes through underground pipes that don't go to the water treatment plant. Anything washed into the storm drain during the next rain will end up in local lakes.

Here are some common substances that contribute extra phosphorus to local lakes; sweep them up from streets, sidewalks, and driveways to prevent their being washed into the storm drain and lakes:

• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Dog poop
• Fertilizers
• Soaps from car washing and other cleaning activities
• Eroded soil/dirt

The list above can be surprising. There are a lot of "natural" materials listed. Even seemingly harmless substance can be anything but.

The city asks that you clean up after yourself and dispose of items properly.

Never dump anything down the storm drain.

Image: eutrophication&hypoxia via Flickr /Creative Commons