MONROE — The Green County Land and Water Conservation Department would like to remind those who mow their grass to consider whether the loose grass is getting into streams and rivers. 

After it rains and the grass clippings have washed down the street along the curb, they either plug the storm drain which leads to flooding or into the storm drains beneath the streets, which discharge directly into our streams, which is where the issues begin. 

Grass and other plant debris are organic material, which when not connected to the plant anymore, begin to decompose. During this decomposition process (or rotting), the nutrients that the plant once held are released, in this case, into the water. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the most abundant. Phosphorus is the leading supplier of nutrients for algae growth on the surface of lakes, streams and rivers. 

The algae blooms make the water undesirable for people to recreate in, drink and uninhabitable by fish and other aquatic creatures. When algae grows, it uses up oxygen in the water which takes away from available oxygen for fish. The lack of oxygen kills fish. The algae growing and dying process also creates an odor that is also non-desirable. Once these nutrients are in the water, it is nearly impossible to get them out. Some stay suspended in the water and some settles out with the sediment.

Keeping all grass clippings in the yard where they can break down and feed the grass is the best solution. Everyone can do their small part to enhance water quality.

If you need further information, please contact Tonya Gratz with the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department at 608-325-4195 or Tonya.Gratz@wi.nacdnet.net.