FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- With the rainy season underway and Lee County experiencing increased rainfall, the County encourages residents to do their part to protect local waterways.

A primary contributor to waterway pollution is stormwater runoff, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Impacts include depositing harmful pollutants, like chemicals, waste and trash, into waterways, which can harm marine life and cause damage to water quality.

The County encourages residents to take the following steps to reduce their impacts:

Abide by Lee County's Fertilize Smart ordinance. Through Sept. 30, residents of unincorporated Lee County must avoid the use of fertilizer.

• Fertilizers entering waterways damage Florida's ecosystems by exacerbating red tide and algal blooms, polluting waterways and contributing to an overgrowth in vegetation.
• Use alternatives to fertilizer, like compost.
• Use rain barrels in tandem with not fertilizing. Make the most of rainy season by using rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. Use the collected water to water lawns and gardens.

Pick up pet waste at home and in public.

• A 2025 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association states that 42.6% of U.S. households own dogs. One dog produces about three-quarters of a pound of waste per day on average, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• The nitrogen and phosphorus in pet waste can contribute to noxious algae blooms that deplete oxygen from waterways and harm marine life.
• Lee County Ordinance 14-22 states that Lee County residents must remove pet waste when not on their own property.

By being proactive and mindful of their actions throughout the rainy season, residents can prevent runoff and protect local waterways in Southwest Florida. Learn more about Lee County Ordinance 08-08 by visiting FertilizeSmart.com.

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