Background: Development
�Shoreline development activities impact water quality
�
�Buffer strips slow nutrient and sediment runoff
�
�Septic systems can contribute to nutrient loading
–
�Commercial land use has the potential to add pollutants
Now why is development important?
In general, shoreline development activities are a greater threat to water quality than non-shoreline development.  Development contributes to soil erosion, runoff from impervious surfaces, and nutrient loading.

More specifically, Buffer strips are important because they slow nutrient and sediment runoff from residential properties and help to maintain the natural beauty around the lake.

Using natural processes, septic systems can effectively treat wastewater.  However, malfunctioning systems control contribute to nutrient loading (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) and pathogenic groundwater pollution.

Finally commercial land use has a high potential for runoff and adding commercial pollutants