Talking Points

Phosphorus bans are important because:

• These laws protect rivers and lakes from excessive algae growth.
• Phosphorus pollution is the primary cause of algal blooms and excessive aquatic plant growth in lakes and rivers, which:
  • Can result in eutrophication (the biological death of a lake due to depleted oxygen);
  • Can pose a public health risk because they release hepatoxins (which attack the liver) and neurotoxins (which attack the nervous system);
  • Favor the survival of less desirable species, such as carp and bullhead, over more desirable native (commercial and recreational) species;
  • Degrade boating activities;
  • Increase water treatment costs; and
  • Reduce tourism and property values.
• It is crucial to target all sources of phosphorus pollution, since phosphorus pollution needs to be reduced 70-90% in a lake or river before it can adequately recover.
• Lawn fertilizer and cleaning agents (especially automatic dishwasher detergents) are two of the largest, most easily regulated non-farm-based sources of phosphorus pollution.

The Phosphate Fertilizer Act:

• Protects water quality by promoting the use of phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers.
• Restricts the use of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus, except in cases where a soil test indicates that there is an insufficient level of phosphorus in the soil or where a new lawn is being established. Also, these restrictions do not apply to fertilizers used for agricultural crops, flowers and vegetable gardening, or on golf courses managed by trained staff.

The Phosphate Detergent Act:

• Promotes the use of phosphorus-free automatic dishwasher detergents (ADDs), which are readily available on the market and priced competitively with traditional ADDs, for use in commercial dishwashers.
• Bans the use of phosphates in cleaning agents. However, manufacturers are allowed one year to make their commercial and institutional dishwashers compatible for use with phosphate-free ADDs (the dishwashers must still comply with state health standards).