Phosphorus Pollution Prevention

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring mineral that is mainly found in ocean sediments. Phosphorus is found in all plant and animal cells and is essential to all plants for collecting the sun’s energy and converting it for growth and reproduction. Too much phosphorus in water can encourage algae growth and diminish oxygen levels in water which harm fish and aquatic plants.

The District works very hard to remove excess phosphorus in wastewater streams on a daily basis. Currently, phosphorus removal is completed through a series of mechanical and biological processes at the water reclamation facility. Nutrients that are removed from the wastewater are collected, processed, and applied to farm fields as fertilizer.

What You Can Do

• Use no-phosphorus fertilizers on lawns and gardens.
• Keep leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter off streets.
• Direct downspouts onto lawn areas or flowerbeds to prevent runoff.
• Pick up pet poop and dispose of it properly in waste receptacles.