Print
Share page with AddThis

Stormwater Division at STEAM Night

Three people at expo behind a stormwater info table

Representatives from Wakefield's Stormwater division educated students and their families at STEAM Night 2019. Participants were asked, "Where do pollutants in Lake Quannapowitt come from?" 
 
Guesses:

  • Litter: 44
  • Goose and dog poop: 29
  • Fertilizer: 27
  • Road chemicals: 26
  • Leaves: 7
  • Detergents: 7

Answer: Stormwater carries things like fertilizer, litter, and even leaves into Wakefield's water bodies. While all make an impact, fertilizer is what turns the lake green in the summer.

With this in mind, the Town uses an organic fertilizer called Earth Works 545. Before it’s used, the soil is tested, so as to not apply anything unnecessarily. We also aerate and top-dress with sand, as less compact soils have less runoff. The program has been approved of by Friends of Lake Quannapowitt and the Conservation Commission.