FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- As Southwest Florida experiences severe heat, Lee County is urging residents to help protect local waterways by reducing pollution and stormwater runoff that can raise water temperatures and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Excessive heat can have negative impacts on local waterways by increasing stormwater runoff temperatures as rainwater flows over sunbaked impervious surfaces. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that hot surfaces, such as sidewalks and driveways, can heat stormwater runoff, which then enters waterways at higher temperatures.

Changes in temperature can create environmental conditions conducive to harmful algae blooms, which can also be exacerbated by pollution from stormwater runoff.

Lee County residents are encouraged to prevent or reduce stormwater runoff by:

• Following Lee County's summertime fertilizer ban. Residents are prohibited from using fertilizer which contains phosphorus and nitrogen through Sept. 30.
• Over-fertilization exacerbates red tide and algal blooms and can contribute to an overgrowth of vegetation.
• Redirecting water to absorbent surfaces, such as a garden or lawn, rather than letting it run down the sidewalk or driveway and into local waterways.
• Picking up yard waste, which includes pet waste, trash and grass clippings. Pet waste should never be left on the ground for longer than a few days.

Through Sept. 30, residents of unincorporated Lee County are required to follow Lee County Ordinance 08-08 and are encouraged to do their part to protect local waterways. To learn more about the County's Fertilize Smart initiative and Ordinance 08-08, visit FertilizeSmart.com.

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