Phosphates from Farmland
Scottish Natural Heritage made expert advice available to farmers and a Natural Care Management Scheme to reduce the amount of phosphate entering the water from farmland was launched on the 23rd March 2004.

Fencing and water troughs stop cows and dung getting into the water

Soil carrying fertiliser can be washed into the water. Soil testing can reduce the amount of fertiliser used. 'Buffer Strips' of rough grass between water and fields can catch soil

Phosphates from Homes
Septic tanks should be emptied every year to stop phosphate escaping into the environment.
50% of phosphates in septic tanks can come from household detergents so by using phosphate free options you can reduce the damaging effect you might be having on the environment and wildlife.