Where I used to live, we had a good-sized beachfront and large front yard. All grassy area (non-fertilized), the next door neighbor had a smaller shorefront with trees and no grass. The geese didn't seem to care whether it was grassy or not. The waterfowl, including ducks, have greatly reduced water quality and enhanced the summer growth of weeds.
One boring day, I counted in excess of 100 Canadian Geese just on the front lawn and beach area
After years of protecting (by ignoring) the advance of pollution and other water quality issues, the environmentalists are now alarmed over the situation. A set of islands where Cormorants took over, now look like target-practice areas for agent orange. These birds have virtually disintegrated the trees and foliage on the islands, creating barren land fit for vultures.
The biggest runoff problems we have here is still agricultural, contributing some 70% or more of phosphorus to rivers, tributaries and watersheds. Algae blooms and weeds are prominently displayed by satellite imagery in areas of heavy agricultural use. Wastewater treatment upgrades have dramatically reduced sources from urbanized areas, as have upgrades to designs in developments.
While the title of the thread seems harsh to many outside of lake areas, something needs to be done.