BMPs
Lake Tahoe’s Clarity Decline
Current trends show that Lake Tahoe’s clarity has stabilized after declining at an alarming rate of over one foot per year since measurements began in 1968. The Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load has shown that fine sediment and nutrients in stormwater runoff coming from developed areas in the Lake Tahoe Region causes most of the lake’s clarity loss. Implementing Best Management Practices will play a major role in continuing to stabilize and ultimately restore Lake Tahoe’s water clarity. Thousands of properties are in compliance, have you done your BMPs?
What is Stormwater Runoff?
In an undisturbed watershed, the majority of stormwater is captured by vegetation, and absorbed and filtered through the soil. Development, such as roads, driveways and rooftops, alter the watershed by creating impervious surfaces that prevent stormwater from infiltrating. Instead, stormwater runs over the surface, collecting pollutants such as sediment, nutrients and oil and grease as it travels, enters the nearest stormdrain or stream and ultimately ends up in Lake Tahoe. Many people mistakenly think that storm drains lead to a sanitary sewer system, where the stormwater runoff is treated. While this is true in some communities, this is not true at Lake Tahoe! All storm drains eventually lead to Lake Tahoe. Runoff containing fine sediment and nutrients cloud the water and feed algal growth, which have lead to over 30 feet of clarity loss since the 1960’s.
What are BMPs?
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BMPs are measures taken to minimize soil erosion and capture polluted water before it enters Lake Tahoe. This helps improve water quality and reduce the decline of Lake Tahoe’s clarity. By implementing BMPs integrated with Fire Defensible Space (FDS) practices, property owners can help reduce the loss of Lake Tahoe’s clarity and protect against the threat of catastrophic wildfire.
Interactive Examples of BMP Site Designs for Specific Land Uses
Click here
to see photos of BMPs most commonly prescribed for residential properties
What are phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers?
Phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers are those fertilizer blends with “a zero in the middle”, for example, 8-0-5. If your soils already have enough phosphorus, adding more is not only wasteful, but it can end up in Lake Tahoe after a rain storm or excess irrigation, turning it green and supporting invasive fish and weeds. You can test your lawn by having a soils test done for nutrients to determine whether or not you need a fertilizer that contains phosphorus. Click here to learn more about phosphorus impacts, phosphorus-free fertilizers, homeowner resources, and what other places across the country are doing to protect their water quality.
BMP Handbook
Temporary vs. Permanent BMPs
While the BMPs described above intend to control erosion and runoff for the life of the development onsite, temporary BMPs are measures to control sediment and runoff while a site is disturbed during the construction process. Visit the
handbook of Best Management Practices
for more information
Winterization
Grading in the Tahoe Region is not permitted between October 15 and May 1 of each year. All construction sites must meet winterization requirements during this time. Read the
winterization requirements
winterization requirements for more detail.
Inspection and Maintenance
In order for BMPs to function over time, periodic maintenance is required.
Be sure to inspect BMPs annually and after major storm events for debris and sediment
accumulation, and perform maintenance as needed. Visit the
handbook of Best Management Practices
for more information.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions