Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, May 12, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana’s extremely rainy start to spring may call for concern.
Heavy rainfalls can cause fertilizer runoff into major waterways that serve as source waters and replenish groundwater supplies across the state.
Indiana American Water, the state's largest investor-owned water utility, warns Indiana residents to take caution as to what types of fertilizers are safest to use when kickstarting the landscaping and gardening season. In recent years, it has become customary for do-it- yourself landscapers and gardeners to use the most popular manufactured fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides for home gardens and front lawns.
"We know our residents want to have lavish, green front yards in their neighborhoods. However, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus contained in many fertilizers can contaminate rainwater runoff and cause damaging algal growths in our rivers, lakes and reservoirs," said Deborah Dewey, Indiana American Water president. "We must make a conscious effort to keep these pollutants out of our waterways to help ensure Indiana's water supply is clean, while not increasing the amount of resources necessary to treat the billions of gallons of water throughout the state."
Many Hoosier residents want to have a luxurious yard they are proud of, but should be conscious of the harm they could be causing to the quality of Indiana's water supply. Indiana American Water encourages the residents of Indiana to make a more intentional effort to identify the safest options available for treatments and fertilizers. In turn, these actions can help keep the local waterways clean of harmful pesticides and nutrients.
Dewey added, "In an effort to keep our waterways clean and avoid poisoning any aquatic life, we encourage everyone to know what type, when and how much fertilizer to use for their lawns."
In The Purdue Extension, put out by Purdue University, there is an edition titled, "Taking Care of Your Yard: The Homeowner's Essential Guide to Lawns, Trees, Shrubs, and Garden Flowers."
Readers can find best practices along with safe fertilizers people should be using.
As Indiana residents become more proactive in properly maintaining and fertilizing their lawns, we can all enjoy cleaner waterways.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.3 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
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