Lake Erie, which supports a billion-dollar angling and boating industry, is facing a problem of algae bloom due to phosphorus runoff. The International Joint Commission (IJC), a US-Canadian agency, has come up with a report on the issue. It said for the past 10 years, water quality in Lake Erie has been declining.

Such was not the case always. In the 1980s, strong measures were taken to control phosphorous inputs and the lake, which is the smallest of the five Great Lakes, had recovered rapidly.

But then algae returned to the lake in even higher proportion. The algae harm marine life and also degrade water quality and now it has been threatening the ecosystem of the lake as well as tourism.

The report has come up with many sources from where the phosphorous is coming from. Chemical fertilizers and manure form farms, lawn fertilizers, pet droppings and storm water drains from urban sources.

Construction activities, urban waste, leaves from deciduous trees are some other factors increasing phosphorous levels in the lake. The report comprises of 16 different recommendations for controlling harmful algae blooms.

Improvements in municipal sewer systems, restoration of wet lands and a ban on adding high amount of manure, fertilizer on grounds covered with snow in Ontario and Michigan, New York and Indiana are some of the many measures.

A decline of 39% in overall phosphorus levels have been recommended to diminish the low-oxygen dead-zone by 50%. On an individual level, quality of the water can be improved by limiting the use of phosphorus-based products like dishwasher detergent.

Reduction in usage of fertilizers in the lawn has also been suggested. Fish are massively affected by the decline in oxygen levels in the water.

Tourism is also getting affected as people trying to enjoy lakes by swimming; boating and water sports can also get affected by the toxins in the water. Acute liver failure can take place if a bloom is ingested. Drinking water in the area is no safer. In fact, property rates have also been affected due to this. It has become clear that stringent actions are needed.