Some may be surprised to learn that one of the biggest polluters of Winnipesaukee is the state itself.
The Powder Mill Fish Hatchery in New Durham, is at the head of the Merrymeeting River, right below the dam on Merrymeeting Lake. When the water leaves the lake, the phosphorus content is 4 ppb (parts per billion). This is a normal amount occurring naturally in most environments. The EPA recommended limit is 12 ppb to avoid algae blooms. When the water leaves the hatchery and enters the river, which flows into Alton Bay, the measurements have been as high as 120 ppb.
The fish poop and food residues result in almost pure fertilizer being dumped into the river, and eventually into Lake Winnipesaukee.
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