Ban on Most Phosphorus in Dishwashing Detergent Takes Effect This Week

News Topic(s): What's New*   Water   Pollution   

06/29/10 - Minnesota joins 15 other states in a ban on phosphorus in dishwashing detergent this week.   Starting July 1, stores in Minnesota will no longer be allowed to sell household dishwashing detergent with a phosphorus content of more than 0.5% by weight.  Dishwashing detergent used by commercial and institutional facilities will be allowed to contain higher percentages of phosphorus.

Phosphorus contributes to aquatic plant and algae formation and algae blooms and, when they die off, reduces the amount of oxygen available for fish. 

Excess phosphorus contributes to algae blooms

One estimate is that up to 10 to 12% of all phosphate in wastewater comes from dishwashing detergent. Spokane, Washington reported a 10.7% drop in phosphate levels of wastewater entering its treatment plant after enactment of a strict countywide ban.

The Minnesota law is not expected to remove familiar brands from store shelves.  Instead, most or all of them will be reformulated with low phosphorus content.  Eco-friendly brands with low phosphorus content have been on the market for years.

Minnesota has had a ban (except in limited circumstances) on the use of lawn fertilizers with phosphorus since 2004. Minnesota was the first state to enact a statewide ban. Most soils in Minnesota already have enough phosphorus to support healthy lawns.

Preliminary results suggest the fertilizer law has reduced phosphorus entering lakes and streams. Between 2003 and 2006, phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer use increased from 44% to 82%. The amount of phosphorus contained in lawn fertilizer used decreased 48%, from 292 tons in 2003 to 151 tons in 2006.

Be the first to comment on this page. Post a Comment