Senate votes to take phosphorus out of dishwashing liquid

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It would be against the law to sell dishwashing detergent with phosphorus under a bill passed by the Wisconsin Senate Tuesday.

The Assembly approved the ban earlier, and it now goes to Governor Jim Doyle. Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, proposed that ban, as well as another law banning phosphorus from most lawn fertilizers. That law’s already in place.

Black says phosphorus causes excessive algae and weeds in Wisconsin lakes, reducing the water quality.

Black says the major dish detergent makers have agreed to the change.

It would take effect next July 1, to give stores time to sell their current inventories. Black says the new detergent will probably not cost more.

Tags: dishwashing liquid, wisconsin, senate, phosphorus