Where It's Coming From, Why It's a Problem
Lake Champlain is overloaded with phosphorus. As a result, virtually all of the Lake fails to meet water quality standards. Unfortunately, phosphorus pollution is increasing in many parts of the Lake. While state officials and others have done a great job of documenting the Lake's decline, policy makers have not taken the actions needed to reverse this decline.
Phosphorus: Algae Blooms and Beach Closings
Phosphorus is a nutrient and an excellent
fertilizer. Use it in your garden and your plants will thrive. Dump it
in excessive amounts into a lake or river, and it causes dangerous
over-fertilization. Most of Lake Champlain has been in an increasing
state of over-fertilization for three decades. The result is abundant
algae and underwater weed growth.
