Is potassium considered a water quality concern?

Potassium is not typically considered a direct water quality concern. Unlike nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus, which can lead to issues like algal blooms and eutrophication when they enter water bodies, potassium's role in water quality is less pronounced. While excessive levels of potassium can affect plant growth and soil health, its direct impact on aquatic systems is minimal compared to other nutrients. Additionally, potassium usually does not contribute to water quality issues such as hypoxia, toxins release, or aquatic life harm in the same way that phosphorus or nitrogen can.

It's important to understand that different nutrients have varying degrees of risk regarding water quality, and potassium is generally not included in the list of primary nutrients that regulators focus on in managing nutrient runoff and protecting water quality in Maryland and other regions.