Impacts of Fertilizer on Our Waterways
How Our Lawns Impact Our Waterways
What happens in your yard doesn’t stay in your yard. Fertilizers applied to lawns, gardens, and fields can wash away when it rains, carrying excess nitrogen and phosphorus into local streams, rivers, and coves. Once in the water, these nutrients fuel algae blooms that use up oxygen, harm fish and wildlife, and can even make swimming or boating unsafe.
Why It Matters in Eastern Connecticut
Our communities are surrounded by beautiful rivers, coves, and Long Island Sound. These waters are the heart of our region—supporting fishing, recreation, and local ecosystems. But they’re also vulnerable. Even small amounts of fertilizer runoff from hundreds of lawns can add up to big problems downstream.
The Connection: Lawn → Storm Drain → Cove
Fertilizer is spread on a lawn.
Rain or irrigation washes it into the street.
Storm drains carry it, untreated, to the nearest stream or cove.
Excess nutrients disrupt the balance of aquatic life.
This is why what we do on land directly affects the health of our waterways.
What You Can Do
Skip the quick fix. Test your soil before adding fertilizer—you may not need it.
Choose slow-release or organic options. They release nutrients more gradually and reduce runoff.
Apply sparingly and at the right time. Never fertilize before heavy rain.
Create buffer zones. Native plantings along streams, ponds, and coves help filter runoff.
Go fertilizer-free. Healthy soil and smart landscaping practices can keep your lawn green without chemicals.
A Community Effort
Protecting our coves and rivers starts with simple actions at home. Together, we can reduce pollution, restore water quality, and ensure that future generations can enjoy clean, safe waterways.
Additional Resources
UConn Home & Garden Education Center – Lawn Care & Fertilizer Guidance
CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) – Organic Lawn Care
US EPA – Nutrient Pollution: The Problem
Long Island Sound Study (EPA & CT/NY partners) – Nitrogen & Water Quality