Shorelines and Water Quality
Shoreline design has a tremendous effect on water quality.
Types of shorelines include:
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Seawall (metal or concrete wall).
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Riprap (large stones).
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Natural shoreline (native vegetation).
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Problems with seawalls include:
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Cost.
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Erosion of adjacent shorelines.
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Unaesthetic.
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Prevents turtles from exiting lake to lay eggs.
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Provides no habitat for wildlife (loss of intertidal zone).
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Loss of natural shoreline vegetation reduces water quality by removing the shoreline’s ability to filter excess nutrients from runoff.
The benefits of natural shorelines are many:
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Provides habitat for essential fish and wildlife species.
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Prevents erosion with deeply rooted plants.
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Discourages nuisance wildlife like geese.
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Improves esthetics with attractive plants.
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Prevents rainwater runoff from carrying fertilizer, leaves, and grass clippings into the lake and causing algae blooms.