Read the Label: Choose Zero phosphorus fertilizers

Too many nutrients in our rivers, lakes and ponds cause excessive growth of aquatic plants, algae and harmful cyanobacteria in the summer. Phosphorus is a nutrient that occurs naturally in soil. But when it runs off lawns into water it acts like Miracle Grow. To protect our water, in 2012 the State banned the use of fertilizers that contain phosphorus except when planting a new lawn or when a soil test shows a phosphorus deficiency.  A healthy lawn, with deep topsoil, will need little fertilizer or watering. So if you need to buy fertilizer, get the one with a middle number of 0 (= zero phosphorus), slow release, low-nitrogen types (< 5%), and do not spread when raining or within 25 feet of a wetland or waterbody.