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10-30-2023, 03:09 PM | #1 |
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Cyanobacteria Alert Issued for Blackey Cove (Moultonborough)
We have received several reports of a severe cyanobacteria bloom impacting the Blackey Cove area on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHDES has issued an alert for this area today. This bloom likely originates from the persistent bloom that has been plaguing Lake Kanasatka for over the last month. Lake Kanasatka flows into Lake Winnipesaukee through the Rt. 25 dam and into Blackey Cove.
NHDES has initially identified the cyanobacteria in Lake Kanasatka as Dolichospermum, Woronichinia, and Microcystis. These cyanobacteria genera are associated with the production of various cyanotoxins that can pose health risks to humans and animals through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Although Lake Kanasatka is experiencing prolonged and severe blooms this year, other waterbodies in our watershed have also faced similar issues. In recent years, major water bodies in our watershed, including Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Wentworth, Crescent Lake, Mirror Lake, and Paugus Bay, have all experienced cyanobacteria alerts or advisories. The undeniable truth is that the environment we once took for granted is changing. The quality of Lake Winnipesaukee's water is at risk, threatened by factors such as stormwater runoff, fertilizer use, and failing septic systems. Our beloved lake has provided joy, recreation, and inspiration for countless residents and visitors. We must not sit back and assume that the lake will always remain as it once was. It is our collective responsibility to act and protect this invaluable resource for ourselves and future generations. Let us stand together and take the necessary steps to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the Lake Winnipesaukee watershed. Join us in our mission to safeguard this natural treasure. Your participation and commitment are vital. Together, we can make a difference. Contact us today to find out how you can help! Waves of appreciation, Bree Rossiter Conservation Program Manager While recreational lake activities have decreased during the colder season, pets are at increased health risk due to their likelihood of ingesting the water. Here are some commonly asked questions about the situation: Q: Can we close the dam? A: Currently, the dam from Lake Kanasatka is operating as usual. The official drawdown is scheduled for November 1. NHDES is closely monitoring the situation and may adjust the schedule if necessary. Please note that there is no option to close the dam and block the bloom since Lake Kanasatka is not a storage reservoir. Therefore, it's not possible to prevent water from flowing into Winnipesaukee, regardless of the dam's outflow. Q: How about using a sediment fence to block the bloom from spreading? A: Sediment fences are typically designed to control the movement of particulate matter in bodies of water. Cyanobacteria, being microorganisms, would not be effectively controlled by these screens. Furthermore, cyanobacteria could potentially colonize the sediment caught by submerged fencing, further promoting their growth. Q: Why is Kanasatka so green? What's the plan to prevent this? A: Cyanobacteria blooms don't have a single underlying cause. Currently, our lakes are undergoing a process called turnover, where cooler and warmer waters mix with the changing seasons, making nutrients available for plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Combined with warm temperatures last week, this creates conditions favorable for cyanobacteria growth. Residents of Lake Kanasatka are taking measures to reduce nutrient pollution in their water through individual actions. The Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association is also pursuing treatment to address phosphorus-laden sediment at the lake's bottom, which contributes to these blooms.
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The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed. Through monitoring, education, stewardship, and science guided approaches for lake management, LWA works to ensure Winnipesaukee’s scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational potential continues to provide enjoyment long into the future. http://www.winnipesaukee.org/ |
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10-30-2023, 03:53 PM | #2 |
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Thanks!
I never would of guessed that blooms would or could be happening this time of year with water temp so low as it is…
Dan
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10-30-2023, 04:23 PM | #3 |
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Probably time to start treating Lake Kantasatka.
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10-30-2023, 05:18 PM | #4 |
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Allowing lawns along lakefront property is the height of irresponsibility.
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10-30-2023, 06:24 PM | #5 |
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The people that have the most to lose are the waterfront owners.
So it is up to them to decide if the lawn is worth it. I know some are just waiting for the Grim Reaper, that seems to be common in the current age, but their estate will lose the value. |
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10-31-2023, 10:26 AM | #6 |
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Didn't someone mention this Years and Years ago. It seems I have read about Lawns creating this problem a few years back. Wish we would have listened.
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10-31-2023, 08:27 AM | #8 |
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Apparently, the blooms even occur when the lake is iced over. I've seen some aerial photos showing them. Cyanobacteria occurs naturally and is found in water and soil, but the prolific and frequent blooms of recent years have been fueled in large part by run-off, fertilizers, antiquated septic systems, etc.
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10-31-2023, 09:36 AM | #9 |
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Bloom Prevention
Pressure on Winnipesaukee water quality will continue to grow unless serious long term solutions and planning begin. Many years ago in Seattle, Washington, Lake Washington bloomed shocking the residents. The various communities around the 35 mile long lake finally installed a sewage treatment system surrounding the entire body of water. Moultonborough will eventually face the reality that this must be the goal of community along with several other mitigation approaches.
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10-30-2023, 07:42 PM | #10 | |
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Blackey Cove? Phosphorus-Laden Sediments? Leaves? Soaps? Fertilizer?
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It appears to be in an area of low (local) elevation, downstream from a highway, much cleared land, mostly deciduous trees, and without any dwellings (or lawns) nearby. |
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10-31-2023, 07:10 AM | #12 | |
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Definitely Blackey
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This is definitely Blackey Cove. If you do a Google Earth search you can clearly see the similarities... Dan
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10-31-2023, 08:08 AM | #14 |
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I have been thinking about this a bit since I saw this thread. Lawns are not the only problem that is upsetting the eco system. Although it is what I see people focus in on. As the natural watershed around the lake continues to be developed, these problems will only increase.....As I don't see the development stopping the only why to help curb the damage is going to be through education.
Getting people to understand what contaminates the watershed and what doesn't. As I have talked to people over the years, I have found that many people don't understand the consequences of mundane things they do....The sad part is even after being educated many people just don't care, it is to important to wash their boats, have green grass, take down trees so that they have a sunny yard all day long etc. Winnipesaukee, is a wonderful fantastic place, that we have all come to love, the problem is all that love, is taking a toll.... And the next generation of lake addicts just doesn't seem to care about the damage their need to have the perfect lakeside home will do to the environment.
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10-31-2023, 10:33 AM | #15 | |
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10-31-2023, 10:41 AM | #16 | |
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10-31-2023, 11:04 AM | #17 |
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Cyanobacteria mitigation
Maybe the cost of mitigation should be assessed against the offending landowners. The costs to include the direct expenses to mitigate a bloom, and the lost revenue from tourists who choose not to visit due to the bloom.
I realize this is probably not a feasible idea, but even people with waterfront living still feel the hit to their pocketbook. |
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10-31-2023, 11:07 AM | #18 |
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The State controls the lake, so it becomes their responsibility.
They control septic systems... so them again... though not sure why fecal bacteria counts wouldn't rise if it were that. Maybe not testing? I know they blue dyed the Laconia State Prison when fecal contamination was discovered in Winnisquam. I can't imagine that it would cost me a lot more when my septic is pumped to have them add the blue dye. |
10-31-2023, 12:30 PM | #19 | |
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10-31-2023, 01:42 PM | #20 |
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Thanks for the benefit of the doubt as I definitely didn't mean to offend. I just can't see past the continued degradation of our environment unless authorities of some sort enforce mandatory change. The people that care are simply outnumbered by those that don't. Does anyone really think the lake's environmental problems will reverse if left in the hands of education and grass roots alone?
Never said things are so great in CT. |
10-31-2023, 02:07 PM | #21 | |
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10-31-2023, 02:21 PM | #22 |
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Hmmm, let's talk about boat wakes and fertilizer from sources not on the lake, which due to sheer numbers probably have a larger impact. Lake Kanasatka doesn't appear to have a lot of lawns on it but has a big problem.
Boats, big wakes from boats are a definite problem. Now that these wakes are not around the turbidity of the water is much better. How much extra nutrients are washed into the lake from large boat wakes? New Hampshire has some of the toughest septic standards in the country from what I understand. When a house is transacted an inspection is required. I'm thinking the number of problem septic systems is probably pretty small. Leaves and pine needles, we are in the fall season, lots of leaves and pine needles end up in the lake, how much nitrogen and phosphorus is added naturally to the lakes this time of year? All interesting and relevant questions IMO. |
10-31-2023, 02:55 PM | #23 |
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Good points, ITD. Some thoughts about septics. Especially around lakes with old camps that have been upgraded to year round use: septics around lakes don't (visibly) fail the way they do in a subdivision, they leach into the lake. When an old camp passes within the family, there is likely no inspection, dye test, etc.
We think mostly about waterfront and the 250' buffer. In many instances, a septic failure up gradient may fail and leach into the lake, traversing over the road and down gradient property. Same with other road and land chemicals. We don't talk about it much, but slope and type of soil as well as the characteristics of the water shed/table play a big part in how chemicals move into our lakes. At least we're not dumping stuff intro the lake by the barrelful the way we did 100 years ago. Talk earlier about gov't rules, but recall it was the US EPA that "forced" us into MtBE, which ended up contaminating drinking water all over the country, in (misguided?) attempts to clean up the air. |
10-31-2023, 03:04 PM | #24 |
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How about a mandate requiring every waterfront property to have a certified inspection of the home's septic system (w/ dated pictures); at the expense of the homeowner? Pump-out records, waste pipe integrity, current flow capacity test, leach field condition, and pump-out records should be required. Similar inspections should be required of any restaurants or municipal waste lines within 250' of the lake.
There is no shortage of summer homes whose owners have no idea if they even have a 'real' septic system, where it is located, or even care if it has ever been pumped out. Others have grey water dumping into the lake. As unpopular for the politicians and expensive for the property owners, the sources of leachate can be located. |
10-31-2023, 03:31 PM | #25 | |
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10-31-2023, 03:32 PM | #26 |
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Wow, people really seem to want to reach here....
The idea that every lake front home needs an inspection, is logistically not practical. However good the idea might be. On top of which there is no guarantee that a system passing at year n will continue to pass n+M years into the future. There are however things people can do....I still see many homeowners and even some landscape companies blowing leaves into the lake... While this number had dwindled I still see evidence of it. This is an education mater, and maybe eventually something that could carry a fine. Requiring new development along the water to create a more natural buffer at the lake shore.... Stop allowing even perched beaches, the beach sand most people use is not good for the lake, and regardless of how well the beach is created there is always a leaching effect. Focusing on the smaller things through education is IMHO the way to go....
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10-31-2023, 03:50 PM | #27 |
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I am all for whatever needs to be or can be done to save the lake even if it costs me some money but are leaves really a significant part of the problem? I would think that millions upon millions of leaves have been falling into the lake forever and the amount blown into lake on purpose must be insignificant. A house with a big green lawn and minimal trees would seem to be a bigger issue than a wooded site dropping leaves.
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10-31-2023, 06:06 PM | #28 | |
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10-31-2023, 06:34 PM | #29 | ||
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10-31-2023, 06:25 PM | #30 |
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I doubt the leaves are. But it is a waste. I take extra leaves onto my property because as they compost I get the added benefit without any cost to me.
It seems to be more a cumulative effect of lots of factors. Education has been ongoing for years, and stopping the affect of new development isn't going to fix an existing problem. You could stop all new development... double education efforts... and we will still see the current trend continue. Inertia has taken over. |
10-31-2023, 06:27 PM | #31 |
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Yet we know that every septic needs to be pumped/maintained periodically, and that many owners ignore this. We should be able to require that every homeowner pump on a schedule that makes sense for that home. This does not need to be some big government intrusion, people just need to call their septic guy once every few years.
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10-31-2023, 06:36 PM | #32 | |
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11-01-2023, 01:01 PM | #33 | |
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Simply stated, any septic system that does not have an approved plan of record recorded with the town, or that has been in use for 20 or more years, needs to have a certified installer inspect the system to certify that it's working as designed. |
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11-02-2023, 09:29 AM | #35 |
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I agree that they are not the total cause but, they are part of it. You may be able to solve the “green lawn” problem thru education (but I doubt it) but there is also phosphates and other nutrients from entering thru bad septic systems and I don’t believe education will correct this either.
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11-02-2023, 10:57 AM | #36 |
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A septic system failure would result in fecal contamination that the DES would need to issue an alert on and immediate action would need to be taken.
What causes the blooms is nutrient loading. Nutrient loading can be the result of nutrients that are trapped in the bottom soils and released during an upwelling (which is why it can happen below the ice), or any time that water is ''stirred'' by either weather or other activities. Surface run-off is the most noted nutrient loading factor, and can come from a lot longer distance than one might expect, especially during times of heavy and frequent run-off. In domestic waste water, this would be most often from things like laundry detergent. It contains a lot of whitener (phosphorus)... that maybe overloading the soil around the leach beds... but also may be just running to a grey water system. The soil during heavy and frequent precipitation will ''wash'' the nutrients from the soil. The same thing happens with our raised garden and container planters, just in a truncated timeline due to the smaller volume of soil/potting medium being able to harbor less. So it may not be directly related to the lakefront property... the lake front property at one time being the ''last defense''. It may be travelling down our roads and entering through any spot that it can enter a stream, brook, or intermittent run-off point. We may be just seeing the beginning of the outcome of decades of nutrient loading. |
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11-02-2023, 11:07 AM | #37 | |
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11-02-2023, 04:09 PM | #38 | |
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Anyway, my original point is that all potential sources need to be addressed. The balance of your last post seems to say this. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
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10-31-2023, 08:04 AM | #39 |
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People seem to be focused on runoff from fertilized lawns as the cause of the blooms. There is very little discussion of fixing the issue of substandard septic systems. I am confident that there are a lot of these in the older cottages on the mainland and on the islands. Years ago the town I live in went around the 100 acre pond I live on and dye tested each house. Well over 50% failed showing leaching into the pond. I know that it is an unbelievably big undertaking but that is a step that should be taken.
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10-31-2023, 09:53 PM | #40 |
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All good comments, but think of this...DES is allowing one waterbody to pollute another. This problem in Kanasatka has been known for a number of years and is getting worse. There are treatment options...some better than others...but so far doing nothing is winning the race while the Lake Kanasatka folks have been trying to ferret out root causes. The nutrient level needs to be attacked hard by DES while the root causes are investigated and located. Time is of the essence, as pollution in Blackey Cove will expand to other areas of Winni. if left untreated. It is easier to mitigate it at the source and the time to start is long since past.
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10-31-2023, 10:34 PM | #41 |
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Lake Smart?
Is your place Lake Smart? Check out the Lake Smart program at NHLAKES.org. Even if you don't qualify now, you can have a sense of direction.
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11-01-2023, 04:07 AM | #42 |
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Think Big...
We've forgotten that the Big Lake falls within "The Winnipesaukee Basin"? (And that NOT all waste arrives in the lake through home septic systems--but from boats).
All leachates follow gravity from homes at higher elevations than just the lakefront mansions. I've noticed a second tier of home-building behind the usual McMansions. (One within a stone's-throw of me can be rented-out to as many as five families at once!) Home septic system designs were based on Massachusetts models, a state whose soil is comprised of much less granite than New Hampshire's. The comprehensive answer is the routing all basin-wide waste waters. How else to exclude dishwasher soaps and water-softening salts from our collective leachate? Hard to believe, but some here assailed my years-earlier answer of sending all septic systems' discharges to the sewage plant in Franklin--even if that meant that submerged pipelines must be sent across the lake's deepest parts. If Franklin is at full capacity, that must also be addressed. If NH had started a Federal grant process back then, this poisoning of our lakewaters would be old news. (Instead of the usual periodic distress signals). Sure, some "spot-cleansing" would be necessary among the entire Winnipesaukee Basin's warm and shallow areas, but more shading of these areas using conifers (particularly White Pine) should be encouraged--if not mandated. (Deciduous tree-leaves make up much of the lake's "phosphorus-laden sediments"). Any other answer will be comprised of half-measures. Last edited by ApS; 11-01-2023 at 04:36 AM. Reason: Franklin's full capacity... |
11-01-2023, 04:22 AM | #43 | |
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11-01-2023, 10:18 AM | #44 | |
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Locally, when our wastewater treatment facility reaches 80% of capacity there is a requirement to increase capacity. The WWTF is supported by user fees, so this is not a tax issue. I would expect the same from the EPA and DES oversight of the Franklin facility. In the old days, if there was overflow of untreated sewage into the river, there were fines and other repercussions. |
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11-01-2023, 10:48 AM | #45 |
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I remember Jeanne discussing it on our PublicTV channel. She sits on the WRBP advisory board for Belmont.
Something about the need for more money to cover delayed maintenance and the system seeing development pressure needing a future expansion. Even when they pump my septic, I think the waste gets transported to Franklin to be processed. The State could mandate a pumping threshold... it is usually a three to five year period depending on the condition found each time it is pumped. But I find it hard to believe that they have large amounts of septic leaching without E.coli being detected. Fecal contamination is usually one of the primary signs of a septic system failure. I think the amount of, and rather heavy, rainfall events are transporting nutrients into the lake bodies, and a mixture of natural and man-made factors are stirring the sediment releasing it. In the winter, even natural upwelling would be a factor. I doubt the State Legislature will take any action... or at least any significant action. But spending more on education is also doubtful to make any significant inroad to the situation. |
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11-01-2023, 11:58 AM | #46 |
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I'm not a big fan of government intervention but these things require lots of money. Most private individuals won't give up their $$$$$$ freely to help the masses, only when it helps them directly.
Most of the people that own these McMansions will spend tons of money to beautify their property but won't cough up a buck to help the overall health of the lake without being forced to. |
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11-01-2023, 12:55 PM | #47 | |
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Cyanobacteria Alert Issued for Blackey Cove (Moultonborough)
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11-01-2023, 06:59 PM | #48 | |
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11-02-2023, 03:20 AM | #49 | |
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Million$ Misappropriated...?
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What appeared were distressed lakes in the northern tier of US states. (Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, NH, Maine). States south of us didn't appear overly affected. I haven't searched Canadian lakes yet. Which brings me to my Florida county's approach: Because of tourism decline due to disappointing fishing catches, my County's Board got a grant to replace ALL septic systems with "E-1 pumps". Local ocean waters were to be cleansed of poor--or absent--methods. Costs were added to our water bill--effectively doubling them! Anchored visitors in this County are already required to maintain a log of pump-outs for weekly Marine Patrol inspections or pay fines. Five years later, now that 99% of waste facilities are "fixed", I asked an activist neighbor (a fishing guide to Gulf- and Atlantic-ocean waters) how things had "progressed". Disappointed, he said the problem was not our local waters, but the Mississippi River watershed! (Whose source is the northern tier of US states)... |
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11-02-2023, 04:13 AM | #50 |
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If only the water fleas ate it....
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11-02-2023, 04:59 AM | #51 |
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Another possible cause to consider are wake boats:
https://www.sierraclub.org/minnesota...nd-10000-lakes |
11-02-2023, 06:53 AM | #52 | |
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11-03-2023, 02:36 AM | #53 | ||
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Minnesota: The Forgotten "Northern-Tier State"...
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1) "The downward angle of the propwash from wake boats causes algae blooms by stirring up sediment and reintroducing sequestered phosphorus and nitrates into the water column. Lake water is warmed by this increased turbidity, making aquatic ecosystems less hospitable for native flora and fauna. Often native plants are uprooted and fish nests destroyed". 2) "Some shorelines are naturally hardened and able to withstand wake boats operating nearby..." A suggestion for the ultimate boating use for The Broads? |
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11-03-2023, 04:25 AM | #54 |
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I haven't seen anybody mention the geese. I never saw so much ---- in my life and their population is growing by leaps and bounds.
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11-03-2023, 11:10 AM | #55 | |
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Luckily, run-off is captured in our holding pond toward the front. You can see how well the vegetation grows there. |
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11-01-2023, 12:09 PM | #56 | |
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11-01-2023, 08:04 AM | #57 |
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NH Lakes over 10 acres belong to the state.
https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files...6-20230125.pdf https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB276/2023 https://kanasatka.org/cyanobacteria/ |
11-01-2023, 08:27 AM | #58 |
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Kanasatka Green
Good discussion here. The green water is getting people's attention much more than predictions about what could happen. My opinion is that education is the most effective preventative. Governments can develop best practices, fund educational programs and mandate things like septic inspections when transferring ownership, but can't get down to the level where it matters. That responsibility belongs to each property owner, on the shoreline and within the watershed.
The green of Kanasatka is massive. Here is a screen show showing part of the problem and a link to a panorama where you can scroll around to see the rest. https://maps.app.goo.gl/72HufD2upCSdAi2BA
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11-01-2023, 10:01 AM | #59 |
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Does anyone know if a bloom has also occurred in Wakondah Pond? If no then the culprit is most likely to tied directly into Kanatsaka and being a relatively small body of water it should be fairly easy to locate the source of the pollution.
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11-01-2023, 10:11 AM | #60 |
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A few towns in NH have enacted health ordinances to require regular maintenance and inspections (if system is so old it is not a state approved design) for their waterfront districts.
While I’m not often in favor of more regulations at the local level in this case it’s helping a town to protect its tax base and helping lakefront owners to protect the value of their property. Thinking out loud I might not even be against a state mandate to require lakefront properties to maintain their systems. The state has done such things, such as “forcing” ADU (accessory dwelling unit) zoning on all NH towns. https://www.deering.nh.us/sites/g/fi..._ordinance.pdf https://www.chesterfield.nh.gov/buil...tem-regulation |
11-03-2023, 08:09 PM | #61 |
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When does the bloom dissipate?
I am also shocked that this bloom is occurring in October/November. I always thought these could only happen in the summer when the water was warm. I am evidently uneducated about this topic. When will the bloom die off? Is there anything that can hasten its demise at least on a seasonal basis? Can a bloom be traced back to a specific source or is it a combination of factors throughout the waterbody. Blackey Cove is a nice spot. Sad to see. Have these blooms occurred frequently in this area?
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11-03-2023, 08:36 PM | #62 |
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They have reported them even in the winter... sometimes even under the ice.
We just don't pay as much attention to them at that time. It will die off when it runs out of nutrients. At that point, it will sink to the lake floor and decay with the nutrients being sequestered into the lake bed. |
11-08-2023, 10:29 AM | #63 |
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Willow Springs Lake looks to be about 1/2 mile long by a 1/4 mile wide (can’t find anything about depth) and cost 80k to treat. It is an interesting option but I don’t see NH ponying up the $$ necessary to treat Winni for phosphorus.
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11-08-2023, 10:59 AM | #64 | |
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Another issue with Blackey would be that it's fed by Kanasatka, which has its own cyanobacteria issues. You'd think that the benefits of any treatment might be reversed by the inflow from Kanasatka. Just a hunch.
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11-08-2023, 11:24 AM | #65 |
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I live on Blackey Cove and from my personal observations, by-in-large the recent cyanobacteria blooms we experience are from the dam outflow from Kanasatka that drains into Blackey Cove. Since the state owns the water, the state DES is actually contributing to the blooms that spread into Blackey Cove.
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11-08-2023, 11:53 AM | #66 |
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Since they mention fundraising... it seems the State is not going to take financial responsibility for the alum treatment.
DES can only due the Legislature has enacted. The Legislature is the final responsibility on the issue. |
11-08-2023, 01:22 PM | #67 | |
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People continue to want to blame figure heads.... but the reality is things are often more system level, then not..... With that said, everyone that has access to and owns property around the lake needs to be willing to help with dealing with the issue that has been created. As a homeowner, the value of your property is directly linked to the value of the body of water you abut....
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11-08-2023, 01:36 PM | #68 | |
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11-08-2023, 01:52 PM | #69 | |
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Think of it as upkeep to your home and its value, you pay to keep your house painted and looking nice, to keep your grass green, trees trimmed etc. Whether you pay to have someone do it your you do it yourself there is cost associated with these things. So why does it seem so illogical that you might need to pay for the up keep to a body of water that you have rights to based on your properties location. Think of it as an association. In this case lets call it the Lake Kanasatka association... each lake front home owner owns rights to a certain percentage of the lake, and the state owns the rest.... Now everyone can point fingers and blame others.... But If I want my home to be worth the most, it would make sense to work with the state to find a solution..... It may require money from the state, It could even require some money from individual homeowners... OR it could be that the homeowners and state, find grounds that will allow for federal funding and grants, and it ends up costing the state and the homeowners nothing..... What I am trying to preach unsuccessfully it would seem is that, the solution doesn't solely lie on the shoulders of the town or the state, but on all the stake holders collectively.... And because Lake Kanasatka flows into Lake Winnipesaukee, which flows into Lake Oppeche, Lake Winnisquam, and down the Winnipesaukee river.... we can expanded the affected are out to all those home owners have something at stake too...... People loose sight of the fact that if the water quality of the Lakes Region deteriorates, we all have a lot to loose...
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11-09-2023, 01:52 PM | #70 |
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12-14-2023, 10:19 AM | #71 |
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Statewide Strategy to Combat Cyanobacteria
The statewide plan to address cyanobacteria is now available and has been posted on the NHDES website. In 2022, legislation was enacted to require the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to develop a plan that would prevent the increase of and help control cyanobacteria blooms in water bodies throughout the state. Recognizing that cyanobacteria blooms cannot be eliminated, the State included strategies to educate, monitor, and evaluate the potential causes of these blooms. This plan marks an important step for the state in outlining specific strategies and actions to address the threat of harmful algal blooms to our freshwater resources.
Four key strategies were identified as necessary to meet the State's goals to prevent the increase of and eventual control of cyanobacteria blooms in NH's waterbodies. The following is excerpted from the plan: Develop policies and practices to prevent nutrient inputs. Significant efforts must be made to reduce nutrient inputs into the state's surface waters. Control of nutrient loading to surface waters, in particular phosphorus, is best accomplished through state and local policy implementation, stormwater control and watershed and lake management. Advance outreach and education efforts for individual assessment and action. Respondents to a public outreach survey identified increasing education and training tools as important to making informed decisions about the use of the state’s surface waters with respect to cyanobacteria bloom presence. Such efforts are important to increase general awareness of the public and specific segments of the workforce who have direct contact with the state’s surface waters for recreation and as a drinking water source. Enhance monitoring to track frequency, location and duration. Enhancement of cyanobacteria monitoring is needed to track blooms and clearly communicate current conditions to the public. Cyanobacteria blooms vary widely in their duration, severity and distribution. Establish policies and procedures specific to surface waters used for public drinking water supplies. There are over 560,000 service points in New Hampshire that provide water to the public that originates from surface waters. To date NHDES is aware of nine surface water sources where cyanobacteria blooms have occurred. Each strategy has a list of priority actions associated with it, which can be found in Appendix C. Appendix B lists ideas and suggestions shared by the Cyanobacteria Advisory Committee, and Appendix D. lists a summary of supplemental actions. It is worth taking the time to review the plan, its strategies, priorities, and recommended actions. Cyanobacteria blooms are not going away in the near future, and as noted in the Executive Summary, 'the efforts identified in the plan require policy changes, financial investments, partnerships, research, and education.' LWA was pleased to participate in the Cyanobacteria Advisory Committee, and will continue in our efforts to reduce nutrient loading to the surface waters in the Winnipesaukee watershed, as well as implementing other strategies identified in the plan. Read the Plan Here.
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11-08-2023, 02:18 PM | #72 | |
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From NHPR: "Cyanobacteria The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would direct the state’s Department of Environmental Services to make a plan to prevent the growth of harmful algae called cyanobacteria in New Hampshire waters. Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, can multiply quickly in water that is warm, slow-moving, and rich in nutrients from fertilizer or sewage. The toxic algae can have harmful health effects for humans, causing rashes and respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. Dogs and other animals can suffer severe illness and death from cyanobacteria. The first reports of cyanobacteria in New Hampshire happened in the 1960s, and state regulators began a new program to respond to public concerns about the increasing prevalence of cyanobacterial blooms in 2020. New Hampshire DES asks Granite Staters to call with reports of cyanobacteria at 603-848-8094." It was passed from DES to the Legislature in 2020. This is as far as the Legislature would go. HB276 -FN-A was retained in committee. DES can not spend what is not funded; nor can they make any mitigation laws without legislative approval. |
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11-08-2023, 03:52 PM | #73 | |
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I have no problem blaming DES as much as the legislature.
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11-08-2023, 10:35 PM | #74 | |
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It is the restrictions that will need to occur to change direction that will be the hardest legislative pills to swallow. Last edited by John Mercier; 11-08-2023 at 11:14 PM. |
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11-08-2023, 04:21 PM | #75 |
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Everyone seems to agree that the condition of our lakes are getting worse .... at an ever increasing rate.
Does anyone wish to comment about how they view the lakes are improving with age? Anyone? Bueller? Without being too Draconian; and as distasteful as encouraging more state control/interference would be, I would happily like to see a line item on my RE tax bill to support a program like this: The state (DES) can go through their records and force property owners (within 250' of the lake AND having no record of an approved septic system) to update/replace their system within five years. The state could provide low interest loans (with the property as secured collateral) for those who cannot afford the update/replacement. After eight years, 'non-compliants' will have a lien placed on their property. Records of 'pump-out' must be submitted to the state. If something isn't done soon, we are going to regret having ever purchased our waterfront homes. It might take 5 years ...... it might take 50 years ..... might take 100; any way you clock it, the lake is dying. And its OUR responsibility to slow it's demise. I encourage everyone to write their state rep, demanding corrective action, before it's too late. Just my two cents worth ....... Last edited by root1; 11-08-2023 at 05:07 PM. |
11-08-2023, 06:36 PM | #76 |
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And while you think it is only the lakefront people who need to have compliant systems....I totally agree but feel it should be ALL property owners, not jsut lakefront....what is your plan for the numerous boaters who I see every weekend with lots of people and kids stop to allow people to get in the water to use the cove as a bathroom? Or the boaters who anchor all day and perform the same??? These folks are impacting things as well, and not in a favorable way. Oh, and as mentioned before, what about the geese?
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11-08-2023, 06:52 PM | #77 |
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NH Lakes over 10 acres belong to the state
https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files...6-20230125.pdf https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB276/2023 https://kanasatka.org/cyanobacteria/ https://www.epa.gov/water-research/c...t-network-cyan https://www.cdc.gov/habs/pdf/cyanobacteria_faq.pdf https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019_microcystin/ https://nhlakes.org/wp-content/uploa...ria-Blooms.pdf https://newhampshirebulletin.com/bri...water-quality/ https://indepthnh.org/2023/06/13/cya...-1m-in-budget/ https://www.des.nh.gov/land/septic-systems https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa...HTOC-L-487.htm https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa...487/487-17.htm |
11-08-2023, 09:20 PM | #78 |
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Last Action
Nov 14, 2023, House: Executive Session: 11/14/2023 10:00 am LOB 210-211 HC 42 https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bil...&q=billVersion |
11-09-2023, 05:24 AM | #79 | |
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11-11-2023, 05:06 AM | #80 | |
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Upon Sale...
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'Seems like NH Realty groups would advance such mandatory inspections to reduce lakes' toxicity. ETA: https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ad.php?t=29209 The above new thread lists this: "7. Consider updating RSA 485-A:39 to require replacement of septic systems determined to be in failure at the time of sale of property. Advisory Committee Recommendation. " Page 84, (Supplemental Actions) Last edited by ApS; 11-11-2023 at 11:10 AM. |
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11-11-2023, 02:19 PM | #81 |
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Due diligence
ApS, I don't think we need to add more RSA requirements for things that should be part of a buyer's due diligence. Many of them come up in other ways or aren't part of the buyers plan if there will be a bulldozer or a major addition. Most buyers hire a home inspector and banks and/or insurance companies have their own requirements. My last two deals were cash buyers who had not desire to spend $500 for a home inspection because the negotiated price allowed for some unknowns. Condition of roof and furnace are obvious to an observer without great skill or training. A septic system on an unused camp may pass in the spring and fail by August when the new owner brings in three generations of his family to enjoy the new place.
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11-11-2023, 02:21 PM | #82 |
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NH doesn't have any inspection requirement at the time of sale/transfer.
Your mortgage company may have one, and your insurance company may have one... but the state doesn't. Also, many properties do not go to sale or transfer for decades, if ever. But I would guess a lot more human waste enters the waters directly rather than private septic system failures. |
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11-12-2023, 11:32 AM | #83 |
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NH does require a septic assessment prior to sale of any property on a water body covered by the shoreline protection laws. Here is a link: https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files...-01/ssb-10.pdf
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11-12-2023, 04:09 PM | #84 |
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Didn't know that...
But it doesn't seem to have stopped the problem. So what step do you go to next? Periodic? Over what period of time? At what cost? And how does a legislator handle the push back from landowners questioned the number of boaters - mostly not waterfront owners paying higher taxes - going directly into the water? |
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11-12-2023, 07:02 PM | #85 | |
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We hear a lot of suspicion and accusations about "improper discharge" at the sand bars, but I've never heard of anybody actually testing the water at a sandbar. What do the 'tooners do? I've heard that in other states there are barges that travel the sandbars with pump out and porta-pottis that travel around to provide "relief". Is this really a problem, or do we just think it is because we don't know? This doesn't seem to bother the folks who go to the sandbars. |
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11-12-2023, 07:44 PM | #86 |
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All those boats floating at the sandbar for hours do not have a ''head''. The occupants simply slip into the water and do their ''thing''.
You don't think they are holding it for hours on end? Also Bayside Cemetery has a problem with ''trespassers''... they aren't there visiting... they are making a ''deposit'' right beside the lake. Kayakers and canoeist sometimes do the same thing. If the Legislature adds a large cost to waterfront owners... and we need to think about all the brooks, streams, and rivers in the watershed... they are going to point out correctly that issue. And to my way of thinking... the Legislature has nothing that they can do about it. |
11-12-2023, 08:22 PM | #87 |
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I've been through two of the septic assessment, they are quite thorough. I looked at a couple properties that had tight box septics (no discharge, need to be pumped) when we were buying, they couldn't pass the inspection, were small properties that could support a new system. Honestly I thought the rule applied to all NH properties, that it doesn't is a little shocking, it should be required for all properties. If you are looking for a smoking gun for this problem, malfunctioning or inadequately designed systems on watersheds and beyond are a big problem.
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11-12-2023, 09:03 PM | #88 |
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If they are urinating and defecating directly into the water, or onto the nearby shore, how is fixing septic systems going to make any difference?
The 2013 fertilizer law helped. But a mixture of misapplication (not following directions), over application (using too much for the actual square footage), and not going for a phosporus-free (like Bonide) for existing lawn applications results in a lot of it just ending up in the run-off. The application is virtually worthless on sloped terrain... and no one watches the forecasts for correct application... because we seldom have the correct conditions for usage in our area. |
11-13-2023, 11:29 AM | #89 | |
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11-12-2023, 04:48 PM | #90 | |
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11-12-2023, 06:30 PM | #91 |
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It does state since 1993 to require on on-site inspection. Not sure to the level of quality that would be.
But it also doesn't go to the State, just the buyer as part of the P&S agreement. |
11-17-2023, 09:08 AM | #92 |
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Update on Blackey Cove Alert
The cyanobacteria alert issued for Blackey Cove on 10/30 will remain in effect until further notice. Despite the dissipation of the bloom in the cove, Lake Kanasatka remains under advisory. Samples collected in Lake K on 11/15 significantly exceeded the state limit of 70,000 cells/mL. The highest observed sample was too numerous to count (>3 million cells/mL). An additional sample taken near the dam site had 350,000 cells/mL (Dolichospermum and Woronichinia) of cyanobacteria present. Furthermore, a 1.5' drawdown for Kanasatka is currently in progress. NHDES urges the public to refrain from recreational activities or water use in the Blackey Cove area until further notice. This drawdown is a crucial measure to safeguard the shoreline and regulate water levels.
Cyanobacteria continues to pose a significant threat to our lake. However, we value the opportunity it presents for fostering increased discussion about other threats, including stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, escalating development, recreational pressure, shoreline erosion, sedimentation, nutrient concerns, and invasive species. In the upcoming weeks, we will address the questions posed in the initial post and share any additional info on what we are doing to combat these threats. Thank you for engaging in this thought-provoking thread!
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The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed. Through monitoring, education, stewardship, and science guided approaches for lake management, LWA works to ensure Winnipesaukee’s scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational potential continues to provide enjoyment long into the future. http://www.winnipesaukee.org/ |
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FlyingScot (11-18-2023), ITD (11-17-2023), Lakegeezer (11-18-2023), LIforrelaxin (11-22-2023), Susie Cougar (11-17-2023), Winilyme (11-17-2023) |
11-17-2023, 12:44 PM | #93 |
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How about the outdoor showers you can spot poking around the shoreline…..
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11-17-2023, 08:50 PM | #94 |
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Why would an outdoor shower add nitrogen or phosphorus to the lake?
The general factors of additional nutrients is pretty well been known. But you can't ask lakefront owners to spend money every year to determine that their septic is working correctly - since it will most years pass - if you are letting others dump human waste directly into the water or nearby shoreline to be washed in. You can't demand we stop the run-off from lakefront lawns, if we are going to allow the lawn right across the street to have lawn run-off into the ditch that proceeds to the lake. The problem is staggering because slowing/stopping environmental change requires a ''groupthink'' that does not exist. |
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11-17-2023, 10:02 PM | #95 |
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https://bkind.com/blogs/kind-words/n...soap-in-a-lake
Any soap entering the lake is not good. Full of nutrients. Last edited by SAB1; 11-17-2023 at 10:05 PM. Reason: Hit post to quickly |
11-17-2023, 10:13 PM | #96 |
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Phosphates are chemical compounds containing the element phosphorus. They are widely used in cleaning products such as detergents, soaps, and shampoos because of their ability to remove dirt, grime, and oil. In vehicle washing soaps, phosphates are added to enhance their cleaning power. Phosphates have been linked to several environmental problems, including water pollution, eutrophication, and algal blooms.
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11-17-2023, 10:46 PM | #97 |
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Outside showers are generally to rinse off...
But even the addition of soap would really mostly effect only the shower area. Plants readily absorb it. Run off only works because it is directly near the lake (lawn fertilizers) or because of the large area that it covers in a watershed. NH made a statute on fertilizer in 93 because we could show the direct impact. It made it throughout the entire State... with some specifics for areas near water. The product sold in NH meets the guidelines, but its usage not so much. People regularly over fertilize because they think they must use everything in the bag regardless of application guideline, almost never do a random plot soil sample for further additions, either do not follow the surface water and run off setbacks - or under estimate the distance (same as they do with the 150 foot rule in boating), and many times do not ''water in'' when recommended - short watering or letting Mother Nature do it is not the solution. It would take a lot of soap to have that effect. But all of that would still fall under the run off category. So the ''shower'' problem could be fixed with just a dense planting of flowers around the outside screen or the perimeter of the base. Much the same as dense planting within the last several feet of shore front makes a dramatic difference. |
11-17-2023, 10:51 PM | #98 |
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All of that gave me an idea...
We regularly show off new large lake homes built in October as part of the Parade of Homes... they have immature landscaping being new builds or large renovations. A spring garden show of lake homes with mature landscaping best designed to minimize run-off into the lake while giving that strong classic lake ambience may change the mindset on the value of landscaping to protect the lake while still enjoying a property. |
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11-18-2023, 03:14 PM | #99 |
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Actually no John they are more than rinse off. Most of the camps with them, noticeable on islands, have them as a primary bathing setup because their septic can't handle the load of them and guests or the owner doesn't want to introduce the volume even if it could handle it. Then there are folks that just plain like the ambiance of the outside shower. Is it a huge factor, probably not like fertilizers but when we get those flooding rains we're accustomed to now you can bet its running into the lake.
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11-18-2023, 05:25 PM | #100 |
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If nutrients are watered into plants around them... they generally get absorbed.
This why the instructions on the fertilizer exist. They know that if you apply to a damp lawn when asked, the product will stay put. They also know that if you water in when asked... the product will be absorbed. The correct landscaping can diminish or even stop surface run off. But outdoor showers are being added without any permits... so the State has very little power to control them. And would have no control over those that were deemed ''grandfathered''. |
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