AWWA Water Talks
Thank you for joining us for our previous Water Talks! With the return of in-person meetings, AWWA has decided to adjust some of our outreach activities. There are no Water Talks currently scheduled, but check below for more information as it becomes available! Please contact us with your feedback or suggestions.
If you missed any of our live presentations, they are available through our archive.
Take Action: What You Can Do
Shoreline Vegetated Buffers
A shoreline vegetated buffer is a strip of land along the lake, planted with native trees, shrubs, and plants. These buffers filter pollution from rain and runoff, protecting the lake and stabilizing the ground. The most natural buffers blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest – picture a cabin set back from the water, with a view peeking through pine trees, ferns, and blueberry bushes.
Why maintain a shoreline vegetated buffer on your property?
- It keeps the lake clean and healthy by filtering pollutants.
- It enhances the natural beauty of your landscape, blending with nearby forests.
- Once established, it requires little maintenance and becomes stronger over time.
- Buffer plants deter geese while attracting songbirds and butterflies.
- The deep roots of buffer plants prevent erosion and absorb excess water, protecting your land.
The Problem
Lakeside development replaces natural vegetation with roads, driveways, patios, and homes. These structures are impervious, meaning they shed water instead of absorbing it. When rain falls, the runoff from these surfaces-known as stormwater runoff- carries pollutants into the lake if not properly filtered. These pollutants can include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, soaps, oil, and bacteria from pet and livestock waste and septic systems. Runoff can also erode the land, washing dirt and attached pollutants into the lake.
Also, during construction, natural vegetation is often removed to make room for construction equipment, lawns, or to match certain aesthetic preferences. Unfortunately, altering naturally vegetated areas along the lake can have serious consequences. A lakefront property’s value – and the overall enjoyment of the lake – depends on the lake’s health. Without natural vegetated buffers to filter pollutants, the lake’s condition declines, leading to harmful effects such as:
- Algal blooms, some of which can be toxic to wildlife and people.
- Accumulation of toxic metals in lake organisms, affecting the fish that feed on them.
- Disruption to the lake ecosystem, resulting in invasive aquatic species and loss of fish habitat.
The Solution
There are many ways to help protect the health of a lake, but maintaining a shoreline vegetated buffer is one of the most effective. This natural barrier filters pollutants that wash off impervious surfaces, keeping the water clean.
For some property owners, the best approach is to do nothing – if their property already has a long-established vegetated buffer with a mix of native plants, shrubs, and trees. For others, creating a landscape design plan is a great first step. The best part? A buffer can start small and expand over time, allowing for gradual improvements.