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The amount of phosphorus in grass clippings generated from just one lawn mowing can produce up to 100 lbs. of unwanted algae if it ends up in our lakes and ponds. Leaf “litter” and landscape trash account for 56% of the phosphorus in urban stormwater, in addition to clogging storm drains and increasing debris in our streams and waterways.

Pet waste is a large source of stormwater pollution. When precipitation falls and comes in contact with pet waste left on the ground, harmful bacteria, parasites, and nutrients are then transported through the stormwater into the downstream surface water body. Bacteria and parasites can be harmful to humans which can cause serious illnesses.

Improperly maintained permanent stormwater quality features can increase the pollutants in our rivers, increase the amount of erosion that could occur, and even increase flooding risk. Over time, stormwater quality features can accumulate trash, sediment, vegetative debris, etc. that reduces storage capacity and functionality which could lead to flooding. Yearly maintenance ensures that trash, vegetation, and debris accumulation does not compromise your stormwater quality feature’s functionality.

July is a prime time to enjoy Colorado's lakes and reservoirs. As all of us know recreating in these waters does come with risks. Here are several helpful tips to safely enjoy the many lakes Colorado has to offer:

Living in an arid climate like we do here in Colorado makes water efficiency and best management practices very important for residents and businesses. There are many ways to ensure water is being managed efficiently and we all play a part in these efforts. Here are a few ways to help save water around your house and workplace: 

Tips for saving water and improving water quality outdoors:

Did you know that using too much fertilizer can be harmful to the environment? Excess phosphorus and nitrogen flows from lawns into our local waterways and causes toxic algae growth that's harmful to people, pets, and aquatic life. To help protect water quality, it's important to read your fertilizer label and choose one without phosphorous. 

Did you know that Colorado soils are often naturally high in phosphorous? Established lawns most likely do not need additional phosphorous. You can pick a phosphorous-free fertilizer to help protect water quality!

With Spring officially here, we will start to see significant snow melt and potentially heavy rain storms. These storm events provide us a reminder to protect water quality! Rain and melting snow pick up litter, pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants from our homes and carry them into storm inlets which drain directly into local waterways without treatment.This is different from wastewater systems, which carry water from indoor drains in our homes, offices, and buildings to wastewater treatment plants before discharging to the local waterway.

The Colorado Stormwater Councils shared Education and Outreach program includes social media, radio, TV, print, online and bus advertisements, and public service announcements. Thank you to all of our members and partners who make this possible through their contributions and collaboration. Without our combined effort, our communities would be much more limited on the number of different media options integrated into our education and outreach programs. This report is a summary of all educational campaigns for 2023. 

Winter weather brings with it deicer, salt, and sand application. This relates to our municipal operations as well as citizens within our municipalities. Here are some reminders for this season to help protect water quality.

Reminders for Municipal Staff:

The amount of phosphorus in grass clippings generated from just one lawn mowing can produce up to 100 lbs. of unwanted algae if it ends up in our lakes and ponds. Leaf “litter” and landscape trash account for 56% of the phosphorus in urban stormwater, in addition to clogging storm drains and increasing debris in our streams and waterways.