In Barnstable, many of us take pride in our homes and lawns. A lush, green yard can feel like part of the Cape Cod dream. But did you know that when you fertilize your lawn, you’re not just feeding your grass—you could also be feeding our ponds and lakes? And unfortunately, it’s not a diet our water appreciates.
When fertilizers are over-applied or used incorrectly, the extra nutrients don’t stay put. They wash away with stormwater, seep into groundwater, and end up in the ponds, lakes, and coastal waters that make Barnstable such a special place. This nutrient overload threatens drinking water, recreation, wildlife, and even our local economy.
Why This Matters
Fertilizers often contain nitrogen and phosphorus—nutrients that plants need in small amounts. But when these nutrients enter waterways in excess, they can trigger harmful algal blooms, like cyanobacteria. These blooms:
- Make water unsafe for swimming, boating, or fishing.
- Release toxins that can harm people, pets, and wildlife.
- Deplete oxygen, leading to fish kills and unhealthy ecosystems.
- Threaten our drinking water supplies and public health.
Barnstable’s ponds, lakes, and coastal estuaries are already showing signs of stress. By changing how we fertilize, we can slow this damage. That’s why Barnstable has a Fertilizer Ordinance (Chapter 78)—to protect the waters that protect us.
Chapter 78: Fertilizer Ordinance Explained
You can read the entire Fertilizer Nitrogen and Phosphorous Control Ordinance for yourself here, but to help, here’s the plain-language version.
Purpose
The ordinance exists to:
- Reduce excess nutrients in our groundwater and surface waters.
- Safeguard public health and drinking water sources.
- Protect the economic, environmental, and recreational resources that define Barnstable’s character and quality of life.
Curious about the health of a pond or lake near you? Visit our Freshwater Pond and Lake Monitoring page for a closer look at current efforts to track and improve the health of your favorite freshwater environment.
Fertilizer Do’s and Don’ts for Residents :
Don’ts:
- Don’t fertilize before or during heavy rain. Rain washes fertilizer straight into storm drains and waterbodies. Learn more about stormwater management here
- Don’t fertilize between November 12 and March 31. Grass doesn’t grow in cold months, but nutrients can still run off into waterways.
- Don’t use phosphorus unless needed. Only apply phosphorus if a soil test (within 3 years) shows a deficiency.
- Don’t dump grass clippings, leaves, or yard debris into waterbodies, drains, roadways, or sidewalks (within 50 feet). Yard waste also releases nutrients as it decomposes.
Do’s:
- Choose fertilizer with at least 20% slow-release nitrogen. This keeps nutrients in your lawn longer and reduces runoff.
- Keep a safe distance. Stay at least 100 feet back from any waterbody or public drinking water well zone when fertilizing.
- Limit your nitrogen. Apply no more than 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application, and no more than 2 pounds annually.
Simple Lawn Care Alternatives
Want a green lawn without risking water quality? Try these tips:
- Mow high and leave clippings on the grass—they act as natural fertilizer.
- Use compost sparingly and keep it away from waterways.
- Plant native grasses and groundcovers that require less fertilizer.
- Water deeply but less often to encourage strong root growth.
- Consider alternatives like a clover lawn, which is naturally more drought-tolerant and requires less watering.
The Bottom Line
Barnstable’s ponds and lakes need our help. Every resident plays a role in protecting them. By following the Fertilizer Use Ordinance, you’re not just taking care of your lawn—you’re helping keep our water safe for drinking, swimming, fishing, and enjoying all year long.
Together, we can keep Barnstable beautiful, healthy, and resilient. For more tips, follow @BarnstableWaterResources on social media!
Still have questions? Reach out to Barnstable’s Public Health Division at (508)862-4644 or visit the Town of Barnstable’s website for more information.