Ways to Solve Eutrophication

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It is important that we tackle the problem of eutrophication at every step possible, even the smallest one counts! This is why we have compiled a list of things that you can do on a smaller scale : 

While watering your plants, make sure to use a flowering can and only use the water whenever necessary. Using sprinklers may lead to the accumulation of water which might effectively carry water away from your garden and into the nearest water drainage.

If you live near a lake/river, this one’s for you! A Riparian Buffer is a vegetated area between a river or lake and the land that is in use which can trap the phosphorus and nitrogen dissolved in water moving through it. One study found that the use of these zones trapped up to 97% of these nutrients before they reach the waterbody 

Lawn clippings and leaves contain nitrogen. When we blow them into the street and down the drain, they can pollute the run-off water that eventually mixes with several water bodies. This is why one should put the leaves in a bag or let them stay in the garden and act as natural fertilizers

 Although pretty common and very easy, many people choose to be ignorant. Burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, releases nitrogenous compounds and carbon dioxide. This air pollution moves back to the ground in rainwater and pollutes surface water bodies. Take a walk, ride a bicycle, or carpool instead

Regular inspections can help identify leaks in septic systems before they become big problems that pollute local ground and surface water. 

 Commercial car washes are required to properly dispose of wastewater. At home, soapy water runs from your car into the nearest storm drain. If you do wash the car at home, wash it on a pervious surface like grass (i.e. not your driveway or the street) and use a nontoxic and phosphate-free soap.