How Does Organic Lawn Care Help Reduce Water Pollution in Cape Cod?

Prevent nutrient runoff and consequential water pollution by switching to organic lawn care methods.

According to the annual State of the Waters report from the nonprofit Association to Preserve Cape Cod, ninety percent of Cape Cod’s coastal bays and more than a third of its ponds have “unacceptable” water quality. Water pollution poses a significant environmental threat with wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Switching to organic lawn care methods is a proactive step towards mitigating water pollution and protecting our water resources.

One of the ways organic lawn care helps combat water pollution is by reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, natural fertilizers are derived from organic materials and release nutrients slowly over time. This gradual release of nutrients helps prevent nutrient runoff and subsequent water pollution. In addition, organic lawn care practices promote healthy soil biology, which enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. This reduces the need for excessive watering and minimizes the risk of water runoff carrying pollutants into water bodies. 

Traditional lawn care methods, involving synthetic products, can have detrimental effects on water quality when they leach into the soil and eventually make their way into waterways. Synthetic fertilizers contain ready-to-release nutrients and, as opposed to organic fertilizers, do not release nutrients over time. As a result, these nutrients can be easily leached out of the soil by rainfall or irrigation water, leading to water pollution. Traditional lawn care practices often rely on excessive watering, which can lead to water wastage and cause further water pollution. Overwatering can cause runoff carrying pollutants from the lawn into nearby streams and rivers. The harmful chemicals present in synthetic fertilizers therefore contribute to water pollution. 

Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid on Earth and as a result, is easily polluted. Water pollution can cause water to become toxic to humans, which can lead to infections and health problems. Even swimming in contaminated water can pose a risk to human health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 3.5 million Americans contract health issues from swimming in contaminated coastal waters. Chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers can also lead to negative environmental impacts. Nutrients from fertilizers that enter water sources can stimulate plant and algae growth, reducing the oxygen level in water. According to the EPA, toxic lawn chemicals account for the majority of wildlife poisonings. 

Cape Cod has over 550 miles of coastline, 890 freshwater ponds, and 53 small saltwater bays bordering the ocean. Residents need to be aware of the threat chemical runoff can cause and take the proper precautions. Switching to eco-friendly lawn care practices is a simple and effective way to contribute to water pollution mitigation efforts. At Pure Solutions, we use organic products and train our staff so there is no leaching of chemicals into valuable water sources. 

Contact the Pure Solutions team for a free organic lawn care quote. 

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