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.
Lakefront residents concerned about cyanobacteria packed the Moultonborough Town Library Wednesday night and were told Gov. Chris Sununu has just vetoed a bill that sought to regulate the use of certain fertilizers on lawn turf.
A big parking lot at the University of New Hampshire where students’ vehicles will soon be parked could be the site of a national study of stormwater and its impacts.
An unprecedented outbreak of cyanobacteria blooms across Lake Winnipesaukee in mid-June has aquatic biologists looking at a few potential causes, including one that relates to a newly discovered invasive species.
The Executive Council was greeted for its meeting at The Rocks Estate Wednesday by supporters of the Save Forest Lake Association which is fighting landfill siting issues and a local family backing LGBTQ+ rights concerned about recent action by Gov. Chris Sununu.
NHDES Beach Inspection Program tests for the presence of fecal bacteria in the waters of public freshwater and coastal beaches throughout New Hampshire.
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.