Garden runoff pollutes water supply

We have all read the articles in The Acorn lately which are geared toward getting the public used to the fact that the LWMD plans to double sewer rates over the next five years. The primary reason for the increase? Improving the Tapia plant to remove more nitrogen from wastewater.

Where is all this nitrogen coming from? Various researchers report that a great deal of the nitrogen in urban runoff comes from landscaping. High levels of nitrogen are contained in the various fertilizers that are applied to our lawns and gardens to keep them green and colorful.

Unfortunately, an alarming number of homeowners overwater their landscape in their quest to have the most beautiful yard on the block. The resulting urban runoff, as it is politely called, makes its way to the water treatment plants loaded with? You guessed it, nitrogen.

I take daily walks through the Morrison Ranch and Fountainwood areas of Agoura, and I'm alarmed at the amount of water flowing down many of the streets from yards that are severely overwatered. The perpetrators are easy to spot due to the amount of permanent green algae growing in the gutters between their yards and the nearest storm drain. Sometimes the sidewalks and pavement are damaged due to the near constant flow of water percolating up through the cracks.

People, please wake up. We are faced with increased sewer rates, water rates and possible water rationing due to the looming water shortage. Unfortunately all homeowners, not just the ones wasting water, will have to pay the increased costs. Every drop of water counts. Please use water wisely. Doug Paterson Agoura Hills