Fertilizer restrictions in Melbourne to go into effect June 1

The rainy season is here, and the city of Melbourne is strengthening its stance on fertilizer use.

Keeping your lawn green is important, but so is keeping harmful pollutants out of the Indian River Lagoon.

The city of Melbourne now bans fertilizer application from June 1 to Sept. 30.

The ban also includes fertilize use within 15 feet of surface water, like ponds, streams, lakes canals or wetlands. The percentage of slow-release nitrogen content in the fertilizer must be at a minimum 50 percent and it also must be phosphate-free.

The nutrients in fertilizer are the most harmful sources of pollution to the 156-mile-long lagoon area. All Brevard County municipalities have adopted similar restrictions.