March 29, 2023| Environment
By: Michela Sales
This post is part two of a three-part series providing homeowners around Lake Hopatcong with tips and information on ways to improve water quality, which is vital to the ecological health of our lake and our ability to enjoy it. The information in this series has been curated from the Lake Hopatcong Lake-Friendly Living Guide and focuses on the following actions: minimizing runoff, eliminating pollutants, and capturing and infiltrating runoff and pollutants before they enter the lake.
Water pollution can occur through point source pollution, which comes from a single, identifiable source like a factory or wastewater treatment plant, or non-point source pollution, which comes from many different sources like runoff from agricultural fields, oil and grease from roadways, pesticides, and sewage and is hard to identify and control. Eliminating pollutants is an important step for protecting and improving water quality. Homeowners can apply the following approaches when attempting to eliminate pollutants originating from their property.
Image from Colorado State University
Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced by the forces like strong winds, heavy rain, or flowing water. Construction projects on residential properties can lead to an increased risk of loose soil and erosion transferring pollutants into nearby waterbodies. To minimize runoff from your property when altering it preserve existing vegetation, install silt fences or straw bales, and replant the area after construction.
Lawn care is an important consideration for homeowners, as fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, and eroded soil are sources of phosphorus that can enter waterbodies. Tips for smart lawn care include avoiding the application of fertilizers when unnecessary, collecting and bagging up loose soil, leaves, and lawn clippings, picking up pet waste, incorporating healthy soil through composting, and incorporating Integrated Pest Management (IPM). To learn more about implementing IPM at a community-wide level, check out Sustainable Jersey’s IPM Action Program: Integrated Pest Management
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that is essential for plant growth, however, higher than normal concentrations of phosphorus in waterbodies can be highly problematic as it can stimulate excessive plant and algae growth, encouraging the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Avoiding the use of fertilizers, or if needed, utilizing a phosphorus-free fertilizer is an important step in protecting and improving water quality. Most soils in New Jersey have an adequate concentration of phosphorus already, making the application of fertilizers with phosphorus unnecessary.
Septic systems that are not properly maintained can be one of the worst contributors to poor water quality as household wastewater contains nitrogen, phosphorus, harmful bacteria, and viruses. Signs of a failing septic system include pooling water or muddy soil around the tank, drain field, or in your basement; bad odors originating from the area of the tank; your toilet or sink backing up when you flush or do laundry; and an observable amount of bright green grass covering the drain field. When a septic system fails, untreated sewage that carries pathogens and contaminants can seep into groundwater and surrounding waterbodies. Inspecting and pumping out your septic system regularly is an important step in maintaining your septic system and protecting Lake Hopatcong.
A study completed by USGS scientists involving the analysis of water samples from 444 small streams across four major regions of the U.S. found that two or more pharmaceuticals were detected at least once in 95% of streams that have some urban land use in their watershed. The best option for drug disposal is to take unused drugs and medications to a designated local collection site or event, which can be found at projectmedicinedrop.com. Both Mt. Arlington and Hopatcong Police Departments participate in Project Medicine Drop and are local drop box locations for Morris and Sussex County.
Cars and other vehicles not only contribute to air pollution but also contribute to water and soil pollution with the variety of mechanical fluids found in vehicles. When a vehicle is not maintained properly, fluids such as gasoline, engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, can seep into groundwater and enter surrounding waterbodies. Check for fluid leaks regularly by checking the areas where vehicles are parked and carefully catch and dispose of fluids properly when maintaining your vehicle at home. Washing your vehicle at a car wash is preferable, however, if you choose to wash your vehicle at home, do so on your lawn instead of on a hard surface and dispose of any remaining soapy water inside your home.
Did you know that the average indoor water usage for a typical single-family household is approximately 70 gallons per person per day? Conserving water at home assists in septic system maintenance and can even reduce utility bills. You can reduce water usage by turning faucets off completely, repairing any damaged or leaky faucets, or taking shorter showers to name a few. As we begin to approach the spring and summer months, you can follow NJ DEP’s 10 simple steps to save water this summer:
Image from NJDEP Every Drop Counts Campaign
Household hazardous waste is any waste produced in and around the home that is flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Examples of household hazardous wastes include gasoline, oil, solvents, paints, cleaners, pesticides, etc. When not properly disposed of, household hazardous waste can pollute local waterbodies. To reduce household hazardous waste, only use the smallest amount possible of any hazardous substance, or use non-toxic, biodegradable products when possible. You can also recycle products, clean supplies in a sink, rather than outside, and follow direction labels to store and dispose of substances properly.
March 17, 2023
Environment
April 06, 2023
Environment
April 29, 2020
Environment