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Home My Public Portal AboutPhosphorus_Education_Brochure_CRWA10 grow prolifically because they are `fertilized' by excess phosphorus in the Charles. Definitions Nutrient: a substance an organism needs to live, which must be obtained from its external environment. Stormwater runoff. rainwater that runs along impervious surfaces, collecting pollutants and then flowing into local waterways. Combined sewer overflow (CSO): overflow of raw, or partially treated, sewage combined with rainwater runoff flowing into a water body, usually during heavy rain. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae): Photosynthetic bacte- ria that live and grow in aquatic environments. These or- ganisms can produce toxins which are harmful to humans and other mammals in high doses. These organisms can give the water a green paint -like appearance (as pictured on the front cover) when present in large numbers. Charles River Watershed Association 190 Park Road Weston, MA 02493 www.charlesriver.org 781-788-0007 This project is funded by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. References and Additional Resources Cyanobacteria advisory sign courtesy of Massachusetts Depart- ment of Conservation and Recreation, http://www.mass.gov/dcr/. Final Total Maximum Daily Load for Nutrients in the Lower Charles River Basin, Massachusetts. MassDEP and US EPA, June 2007. Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Guidelines for cyanobacteria in freshwater recreational water bodies in Massachu setts. Nonpoint Pollution of Surface Waters with Phosphorus and Nitro- gen. In Issues in Ecology, Summer 1998. http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/pdf/issue3.pdf. Organization for the Assabet River. http://www.assabetriver.org/ take-action/prevent-pollution/detergents. Streamflow, Water Quality, and Contaminant Loads in the Lower Charles River Watershed, Massachusetts, 1999-2000. USGS Water - Resources Investigations Report 02-4137. Occurrence of Cyanobacterial Toxins (Microcystins) in Surface Waters of Rural Bangladesh: Pilot Study Report, May 2004. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/ emergi ng/wsh04O6. pdf. i� Printed on recycled paper with soy -based inks Phosphorus in the Charles River: What You Should Know! Information about the consequences of too much phosphorus entering the Charles. Charles River MASSALHUSETT Watershed Association NVIRONM RUST TRUS What is phosphorus? Phosphorus is a naturally -occurring element present in rock, soil, and organic matter. Plants require phosphorus during photosynthesis. Aquatic plants obtain this nutrient from the water around them. Where does phosphorus come from? How does it get into the Charles River? Phosphorus naturally enters rivers and other water bodies through erosion of rocks and soils and decomposition of organic matter. Today, human activities add a large amount of extra phosphorus to the Charles River. High phosphorus levels are causing problems for the human and wildlife populations that depend on the Charles. Phosphorus is carried by stormwater runoff from fertilizers, sediment, automobile exhaust and animal waste. Phosphorus also enters our waterways through wastewater treatment facility discharge and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Due to human activities and natural abundance, phosphorus is ubiquitous in the environment. The larger the volume of ad of phosphorus it will carry with it. Phosphorus is everywhere in the environment. The larger the volume of stormwater runoff that enters the Charles River, the larger the load of phosphorus it will carry. phosphorus in theCnarieS rver. Phosphorus is not toxic to humans or animals, yet excess levels in a water body can have adverse health effects for YOU, your children, and your pets. Phosphorus feeds toxin - producing photosynthetic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. (See photo on front cover.) Too much phosphorus allows these organ- isms to flourish and produce 1 CA UT I M toxins which can be harmful to _ humans and animals through - --• �"� """ exposure by skin contact or in- gestion. When cyanobacteria�,, presents a potential danger in ^ the Charles, CRWA works with w...�.�-H r..�.�... state agencies and other organi- zations to post advisory signs to notify the public (at right). ��-=�-=-- ••• Annual Phosphorus Inputs by Source to the Lower Charles River Basin C50 Industrial 6% 14% Commercial 9% Residential Wastewater 40% Treatment Facilities 17% Other 11% Agriculture 3% What are the ec much phosphorus in the Charles River? Adding phosphorus to a river or lake essentially fertilizes the aquatic system. As phosphorus is typically the nutrient limiting plant growth in fresh water systems, the addition of phosphorus allows more plants to grow. Algae, photosynthetic cyanobacteria and aquatic weeds can grow in abundance, altering the natural balance of the aquatic ecosystem. What can I do to prevent excess phosphorus from entering the Charles River? There are many things you can do to reduce the amount of phosphorus that enters our local environment and reduce overall stormwater runoff volume to the Charles: • Test your soil to determine if it requires additional fertilizers; many local soils do not. • If your soil requires additional nutrients, use compost instead of store-bought fertilizer or choose "slow -release" organic fertilizer. • Walk, bike or take the T to nearby destinations. • Do not feed wild animals, especially geese 11111111 ducks. • Reduce and/or treat stormwater runoff f= your own property as much as possible. ConM planting a rain garden or green roof, using ram barrels or dry wells and replacing impervious areas, such as driveways and patios, with permeable pavers or porous pavement. • Visit a car wash, where water is treated anq recycled, instead of washing your car in your driveway. • Perform regular maintenance on your septil system to prevent backups. • Reduce areas of exposed soil on your prop= this is especially important during renovation • Do not dispose of grass clippings in rivers, streams, or on their banks. • Pickup aft posh the waste in t mpoM 0, Opp, rorl Kle ore I K/ N I