CWC’s “Don’t Feed the Weeds!” campaign, which initially launched in 2007, is a lake nutrient reduction program.  It is aimed at raising the public’s awareness of the link between the amount of nutrients (such as phosphorus) entering Chautauqua Lake and how it contributes to the Lake’s excessive weed growth and algae blooms.  The program is also aimed at informing residents on what they can do to help reduce the amount of nutrients entering the Lake.

In 2007 and 2008, the CWC handed out informational brochures and samples of phosphate-free automatic dishwasher detergent tablets to more than 2,500 local households.  In 2008 and 2009, the CWC created and distributed hundreds of “Don’t Feed the Weeds!” lawn signs throughout Chautauqua County to promote the use of phosphate-free products, the proper disposal of pet waste and the use of buffer strips.  The message has also been promoted through The ‘Shed Sheet newsletter, organizational brochures and several ad campaigns.

So what can you do to help?  

• Use only phosphate-free automatic dishwasher detergents and lawn fertilizers!  Did you know that just one pound of phosphorus can produce 1,100 pounds of algae in the lake?!  Phosphates are commonly found in lawn fertilizer and dishwashing detergents, so only purchase those without .  (There has not been phosphorus in dishwashing soaps or laundry detergents since the 1970s.)

• Pick up after your pet!  Pet waste is loaded with nutrients as well as bacteria.  When left out in the yard, on sidewalks or on roadsides, it washes away into the nearest storm drain or waterway, which ends up in the Lake.  Dispose of pet waste properly by putting it in a sealed bag in the trash, flushing it down the toilet, or burying it in your yard.

• Plant a waterfront buffer!  Don’t mow or cut plants within 10 feet of shorelines.  Trees, shrubs and other plants with deep roots help hold shorelines in place, which helps to filter out nutrients from storm water runoff before it enters the Lake.