05/30/2026
We’re proud to share that CCE Rockland’s own Jen Zunino-Smith and Anna Hickey were featured on News 12 discussing harmful algal blooms and the role phosphorus pollution plays in water quality.
While many people enjoy Rockland’s lakes and waterways throughout the summer, protecting these valuable resources requires year-round awareness. Jen highlighted how everyday activities—such as grass clippings, fertilizer use, and car washing—can contribute to phosphorus runoff that eventually reaches our waterways through storm drains.
Anna shared a simple tip for homeowners and gardeners: when purchasing fertilizer, look for a “0” as the middle number in the fertilizer analysis (for example, 20-0-10). The middle number represents phosphorus, and choosing products with a zero helps reduce excess phosphorus entering local lakes, streams, and reservoirs.
Thank you to Jen and Anna for helping educate our community about the simple actions we can all take to protect local water quality and reduce the risk of harmful algal blooms.
Be sure to tune in to News 12 tonight to catch the segment! Or watch here now: https://hudsonvalley.news12.com/harmful-algal-blooms-reported-in-rockland-county-lakes
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