More rain, more fertilizer falling into Lake Lanier, group says. What that may mean

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper say stormwater runoff causes nutrient pollution in Lake Lanier for second consecutive year and record-high levels recorded in the last two years demonstrate the need to revisit a 2018 federal cleanup plan created to reduce unwanted nutrients in the Lake Lanier watershed. - photo by By Scott Rogers

03102021_LAKE_1...1200x675.jpg — The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper say stormwater runoff causes nutrient pollution in Lake Lanier for second consecutive year and record-high levels recorded in the last two years demonstrate the need to revisit a 2018 federal cleanup plan created to reduce unwanted nutrients in the Lake Lanier watershed. - photo by By Scott Rogers

Heavy rainfall and too much fertilizer may be causing serious water quality problems for Lake Lanier, according to environmental watchdog group Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Over the past two years, chlorophyll levels at five monitoring sites between Buford Dam and Browns Bridge have exceeded state standards, the group said in a news release Tuesday, March 9.

Chlorophyll is the main indicator used to detect algae, which blooms as result of excess nutrients flowing into the lake. Too much algae in the water can “negatively affect water quality, impact taste and smell of drinking water even after treatment, raise the cost of treating water to meet drinking water standards, and cause decreased oxygen levels that fish and other aquatic life need to survive,” Chattahoochee Riverkeeper says.

Much of the pollution is caused by stormwater runoff from fertilizers used on lawns and farms. Other sources include treated sewage discharges, failing septic systems and clogged sewer pipes from improper household disposal of fats, oil and grease, the group says.

“We are working with several local governments, utilities and other stakeholders to address this problem, but individuals who reside in the watershed have a critical role to play as well,“ said Dale Caldwell, the group’s headwaters director. “Cumulative and seemingly small impacts can multiply and lead to a positive impact on this very valuable water source.”

People can help by limiting the amount of fertilizers they put on their lawns, routinely maintaining their septic systems and not pouring fats, oils and greases down the drain.

Chlorophyll levels are higher than they have been since Chattahoochee Riverkeeper began testing in 2010 and since Georgia Environmental Protection Division began testing in 2000, the group says.

The EPD sets chlorophyll limits at five monitoring locations on the lake.

Lake Lanier contained more algae in 2019 than in the previous 20 years, according to data reported last year by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Data collected by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is averaged with data collected by the EPD and Gwinnett County’s Department of Water Resources. Between 2000 and 2018, these monitored chlorophyll levels increased at an average of 0.17 microgram per liter each year. Between 2018 and 2019, however, the increase was about 3.72 micrograms per liter.

See the original Gainesville Times story here.

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