By Stephanie Lynn EBS CONTRIBUTOR
We are lucky to live, work, and play
in the headwaters of a river system that sustains world-class fishing, paddling
and scenery. However, nuisance algae growing in the Gallatin and streams that
nourish it threatens our outdoor economy and lifestyle. In this second
installment about the 2018 algae bloom, we’ll discuss strategies that will make
the Gallatin more resilient going forward.
As a community, we can improve the
resilience of our rivers and streams by reducing man-made nutrient pollution
and conserving water. Let’s protect our clean water, healthy fisheries and way
of life, even as Big Sky grows and our climate changes.
Individually and as a community, we
can avoid blooms by reducing nutrient pollution which fuels excess algae
growth.
- Properly maintaining septic systems.
Similar to a car or appliance, septic systems require care, annual
inspections and regular maintenance to properly treat wastewater. Failing
systems leak nutrients and bacteria into groundwater and, eventually,
rivers and streams.
- Reducing fertilizer use. Fertilizer
feeds plants growing in lawns and gardens, but can contribute to elevated
nutrients in water bodies. Trout-friendly practices, such as planting
native species that require less maintenance or using organic fertilizers,
reduce the nutrient footprint of outdoor landscapes.
- Managing animal waste. Picking
up pet waste and properly maintaining horse corrals near streams benefits
your neighbors while preventing nutrients and bacteria from being carried
by runoff to the river.
- Maintaining and enhancing streamside buffers. Preserving
a green ribbon of plant life on the banks of rivers and streams prevents
erosion, uses nutrients and protects water quality.
- Improving stormwater management. Rain
and snowmelt pick up and carry pollutants when they flow across parking
lots and roads. Capturing and treating stormwater can remove contaminants
before they reach rivers and streams.
- Upgrading wastewater treatment. Big
Sky reuses treated wastewater to irrigate golf courses throughout the community,
which may runoff into rivers and streams. Improvements to the Big Sky
Water and Sewer District treatment plant will reduce nutrient levels in
treated effluent used for irrigation by 70-75 percent for nitrogen and 90
percent for phosphorus.
Additionally, when we save water, we
ensure adequate supply to our river system, which keeps water temperatures cool
and prevents algae growth.
- Reducing indoor and outdoor water use. Every
drop of water saved in homes and on landscapes remains in the groundwater
and river system. Efficient practices, including purchasing water-saving
products through the Gallatin River Task Force rebate program, reducing
personal use and improving outdoor irrigation practices, keeps water in
the river.
- Restoring wetlands and streamside areas. Wetlands
and streamside areas act like sponges by capturing water during wet
periods and releasing water during dry periods. This helps to maintain
water levels throughout the year.
- Slowing water as it flows through the system. Wastewater
reuse and stormwater management options that promote infiltration into the
ground cause water to move more slowly through the watershed.
Algae blooms could become more
severe as our community grows and water temperatures warm. Individual actions and
community planning will be vital to protect our water, fisheries and lifestyle
for future generations.
Visit gallatinrivertaskforce.org/riversmarts for more information about how you can protect river health.
Stephanie
Lynn is the education and communications coordinator for the Gallatin River
Task Force.