The National Canberra Authority is urging residents for some love for a 50-year-old local icon, Lake Burley Griffin.
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Water pollution has posed a continuing problem in Canberra, with chemicals, rubbish and garden waste all seeping into the lake.
But there's good news – Canberrans can make a difference by changing simple habits.
The #LoveLBG campaign, launched by the National Capital Authority on Wednesday is encouraging people to share tips via social media on protecting their waterways.
Strategies include washing cars on the grass to stop soap running into the drain.
The campaign warns detergent, paint and other chemicals can kill native fauna in Canberra's waterways.
Dogs are also a problem, as animal waste encourages harmful bacteria growth in the water.
For gardeners, #LoveLBG suggests composting, raking up leaves and grass clippings to prevent them ending up in drains and causing algal blooms.
Institute of Applied Ecology chairman of water science Professor Ross Thompson said all Canberrans can help improve water quality.
"Canberra's stormwater drains carry water to an extensive network of streams, wetlands, ponds and lakes," he said.
"These provide habitat for fish, frogs and birds while improving the liveability of the city."
Fresh rainwater is the only thing that should end up in our waterways, the NCA said.
NCA chief executive Malcolm Snow said all Canberrans should be preventing pollutants and organic debris from going down the drain.
Mr Snow said his organisation was researching several options to improve the lake's water quality.
One of these options included planting almost 9000 aquatic plants, or macrophytes.
"Macrophytes act as filters and can help trap sediments, pollutants and organic material and prevent these from entering the water," Mr Snow said.
"They improve oxygen levels and reduce the levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, which helps to decrease blue-green algae blooms."
Since 2011, more than 125,000 tiny native fish have also been released into Lake Burley Griffin.
The "fingerlings" – young fish that have grown to the size of a human finger – should help improve the lake's biodiversity.
It is hoped these measures will boost water quality, help native wildlife flourish, and support the continuing recreational use of Lake Burley Griffin.