The leaves are falling, and it may seem easy to rake them right into the water – but that can create a number of issues for aquatic life, as well as humans and pets living along the shore.
Why does it matter if people dump leaves in the Lake?
- Higher risk of health hazards: Decaying leaf litter can cause algae blooms that are toxic to fish, pets and humans.
- Disrupts the ecosystem: Leaves not only block sunlight needed by fish, microbes and other aquatic life – they also use up oxygen they need to survive.
- Emits unpleasant smells: Decomposing leaves can produce a rotten egg smell in and around the water.
“There are a number of ecological issues caused by a high volume of leaf litter, so we recommend customers living lakeside use different options for leaf removal,” said Greg Stoner, Environmental Specialist at Ameren Missouri.
Greg Stoner adds, “Think of the Lake as your neighbor: you wouldn’t blow leaves into your neighbor’s yard, would you? Consider extending that same courtesy to the Lake.”
How else can I dispose of leaves?
- Bag leaves and have them hauled away.
- Compost leaves, along with yard clippings and food scraps.
- Burn them – but take precautions and get approval from the local fire department beforehand.
