Protecting our recreational waters

Blue-green algae exists in recreational waters across Nova Scotia and blooms are not uncommon. While certain nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen) are essential to plant and animal life, excessive amounts can promote the grown of blue-green algae. By controlling or eliminating "extra sources" of these nutrients, we can reduce, or even prevent, bloom occurrences.

Phosphorous and nitrogen can make their way into our waters through run-off or direct exposure and are found in:

• fertilizer
• animal feces
• silt
• decaying vegetation
• wastewater/greywater
• sewage