One of the best ways to protect local water bodies from pollutants such as phosphorus is to understand how our homes, lawns, and septic systems contribute to nutrient pollution. 

Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can help reduce phosphorus pollution in local watersheds and resources like Santuit Pond.

Reducing fertilizer use in lawns or opting for a phosphorus-free fertilizer can help decrease the amount of phosphorus that washes off and transports to local waterways. To further make your lawn more-ecofriendly, consider planting vegetation buffers. Buffers are strips of trees, shrubs, grasses and other low growing and deep-rooted plants that work to absorb and filter phosphorus-polluted runoff. Aside from lawn care, regular septic inspection and maintenance can further help ensure that no excess phosphorus is being released into groundwater. These are just a few simple ways you can help reduce phosphorus pollution in local watersheds and resources like Santuit pond.