Good Fishing Depends on Clean Water
Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are experiencing algae blooms that cover our favorite fishing spots with green slime and cause fish kills and "dead zones" where no aquatic life can survive. The cause is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that comes from farm and lawn fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and sewage treatment plants. Here's what you can do to keep the water clean:
- Take care not to over fertilize and closely follow package instructions
- Pick up pet waste and properly manage waste from livestock
- Use green practices such as rain barrels, rain gardens, and permeable pavements
- Maintain septic systems
- Encourage your community to invest in its wastewater infrastructure
Supporting water quality protection supports great fishing!
Want to learn more about nutrient pollution? Please watch this short video:
Visit the EPA's website here to learn more.
Algae Blooms Can Be a Health Hazard
Algae blooms can be harmful to both you and your pets, so please remember not to let pets swim in lake where algal blooms are present, nor should you. The motto from the EPA: When in doubt, stay out.
Here is a scene that none of likes to come across at our favorite fishing spot:
How's My Waterway
EPA's How's My Waterway app and website helps users quickly find information on the condition of their local waters using a smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer. This tool provides results within seconds using EPA's water quality assessment data. Check out the condition of your local waterbody today! Click on related links to learn about fish habitat partnerships and fish advisories. Visit www.epa.gov/mywaterway.
