InDepthNH.org (https://indepthnh.org/series/lake-health-nh/page/3)
This summer, InDepthNH.org is taking a deep dive into water quality issues facing the state’s almost 1,000 water bodies and what is being done to protect their health.
These cooling lakes and surrounding forested land, are main drivers in the state’s economy. We are talking with lakefront property owners, scientists, lawmakers, and association groups to bring you the latest information.
Paddling together to help progress the state’s growing outdoor economy, about 50 individuals involved in the industry across the state came together on the Saco River Thursday to network, swim and enjoy dinner and music at the Beach.
Please continue to monitor shorelines for changing conditions. NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in the vicinity of blooms. Pets and livestock should also be kept out of the water.
After an alum treatment this spring on Lake Kanasatka, and extensive efforts by residents of the lake to improve their properties to reduce storm runoff and nutrient loading, things have turned around here.
As lake and watershed associations gather this summer to discuss collective concerns, many are hearing about a free consultation program called LakeSmart which helps shorefront owners assess ways they can help prevent cyanobacteria and other harms that come from runoff.
“Cyanobacteria is the biggest threat to New Hampshire that no one knows about, ” said Rosemarie Ring, D-Salem, who in 2022 with state Sen. Suzanne Prentiss, D-Lebanon, sponsored a bill to create the 17-member Cyanobacteria Plan Advisory Committee to create a report “supported by scientific data” which “shall include measurable milestones,” and a state strategy to prevent the increase and eventually control cyanobacteria blooms.
Cyanobacteria warnings and watches have the attention of many lake associations across the state as New Hampshire faces its worst summer ever dealing with toxins emitted from the blooms of blue green algae.
The 72-square mile crown jewel of the Lakes Region, Lake Winnipesaukee, is under siege right now from cyanobacteria reports from beaches and bays from Gilford, Meredith, Center Harbor Tuftonboro and Moultonborough.
A wake surfing bill was sunk by the Senate last week but is likely to resurface next year with the New Hampshire Lakes Association calling on lake supporters to run for office.
Advocates for improved lake water quality were on Lake Winnipesaukee with U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, Thursday who came to learn about threats, challenges and what federal dollars she secured are doing to keep the water clear.
It is not even technically summer yet, but it is starting out as a bad season for cyanobacteria with the state’s earliest warnings ever on record and four lakes already on lists this week.