Madison’s local lake health is declining by the week. Lake Mendota, like many others in the Dane County area, is taking in tons of phosphorus, and the clarity is worsening, and the community needs to step up to help out the lakes. Phosphorus is a harmful element that causes dense algae blooms in lakes, which are gradually killing more and more fish because the algae consumes all the oxygen in the water. Phosphorus invades lake waters via fertilizer drainage, and the effects are visible with dead fish scattered throughout.

The Clean Lakes Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works to improve local water quality. Arlene Koziol, a photographer for the organization, says, “Phosphorus can cause toxic cyanobacteria blooms, which can be harmful to humans,” which is another reason to watch out for fertilizers. The water clarity is one way to notice lake health, and Koziol says that  “Lake Mendota is getting murkier and murkier throughout the years based on my tests.” In addition to fertilizers, lake murkiness can be caused by heavy rains and high agricultural usage. 

Lake health affects almost everyone’s daily life because most people profit from them in one way or another. The Yahara River at the bottom of MCDS is runoff from Lake Mendota, and if you want to make sure that the lake stays healthy, here are some things you can do according to Koziol of Clean Lakes Alliance: “Plant native vegetation, plan a rain garden to capture runoff into the lakes, or redirect your rainspout to your lawn to absorb water,” she said, adding you can, “pick up pet waste, rake leaves and decrease your wake from boats.” 

All these things can be accomplished, so if you want healthy local lakes, consider helping the cause.