FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- While much of Lee County is still experiencing the lingering effects of the drought, it's still important to prepare for the typical summer rainy season – and that includes avoiding using fertilizer and overwatering.

As rainy days increase locally, unnecessary fertilizing and improper fertilizer application can result in runoff that sends nutrients meant to feed lawns into waterways, where they feed harmful aquatic algae instead.

Do more by doing less during the summer:

Follow Lee County Ordinance 08-08 through Sept. 30 and stop fertilizer use during the rainy season.
o      Avoiding fertilizer use helps keep harmful runoff filled with nitrogen and phosphorus out of waterways, which will protect wildlife and help prevent harmful algal blooms.

When prioritizing lawn care, mow no more than one-third of the grass blade.
o    Maintaining more height helps lawns retain more water, decreasing the amount of runoff entering waterways.

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Dispose of yard and pet waste property to protect water quality.
o    Pet waste contains high nitrogen and phosphorus content, and when washed into waterways, it can contribute to algae blooms.
o    Dog waste can contain fecal coliform bacteria and spread harmful parasites.

Residents are encouraged to be mindful of water usage, as well.

In the summer months, even-numbered addresses and properties with no address may irrigate on Thursdays and/or Sundays, and odd-numbered addresses may irrigate only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Irrigation is prohibited daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visit LeeGov.com/NaturalResources/WaterSmart (https://www.leegov.com/naturalresources/watersmart) to learn more.

To learn more about Lee County's fertilizer ban, visit FertilizeSmart.com.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters and follow on social media: www.leegov.com/socialmedia.