Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does phosphorus need to be controlled?

A. Phosphorus is a plant nutrient. Yet, excess amounts of phosphorus in wastewater discharges can cause excessive aquatic plant growth in our streams and rivers. These plants can cause adverse water quality conditions by decreasing sunlight penetration, depleting dissolved oxygen during the night, and interfering with boating and other water uses. In some cases, decaying algae reduces dissolved oxygen to levels that cause fish to die. Algae blooms can poison animals and cause allergic reactions to swimmers.

Q. What detergents are prohibited by the Phosphate Detergent Act?

A. The act bans any detergent containing phosphorus. There are at least 8 companies in this country that produce non-phosphate-based detergents.(1)

Q. How can I determine the phosphorus content of a detergent?

A. This information can be found on the package label.

Q. Are there any exceptions to this ban?

A. The new law contains exclusions and exemptions to the ban for cleaning agents that are used for certain healthcare purposes. This law primarily bans phosphates from household laundry detergents and non-healthcare-related commercial laundry operations.

Q. Who will enforce these laws?

A. The Department of Environmental Protection <or your state’s equivalent> has the authority to adopt regulations under these acts. The department may exempt a substance if there are no adequate substitutes for the cleaning agent as long as the phosphorus content does not exceed 8.7 percent by weight.

Q. How else can we reduce phosphorus pollution?

A.

• Keep leaves, tree seeds, and lawn clippings out of gutters, streets, and ditches.
• Clean lawn and garden equipment on the grass not on hard surfaces. Never wash or blow soil or grass clippings into the street.
• Pick up pet waste promptly. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria as well as nutrients. Never drop pet waste in the street or ditches.
• Control soil erosion around homes. When left bare, soil is easily washed away with rain, carrying phosphorus with it. Soil erosion can be prevented by keeping soil covered with vegetation or mulch.