New Hampshire Lakes push for tougher water quality regulations

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing development of a draft watershed management plan, which is currently under review by the town. Stakeholders have until the end of August to submit comments before the plan is finalized in early September. The plan aims to address water quality issues in local lakes, particularly concerning sediment accumulation and its ecological impacts.

One significant topic raised was the potential for dredging to remove excess sediment from the lake. Experts noted that while dredging could help, it requires permits and can disrupt the ecosystem, potentially worsening water quality by stirring up nutrients. The consensus was to allow the ecosystem to adapt before considering such drastic measures.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of shoreline surveys conducted to assess property conditions around the lake. While individual property scores from these surveys are available, privacy concerns prevent public dissemination of specific results. Participants expressed a desire for more stringent regulations regarding fertilizer use near water bodies, as current state laws allow application within just 25 feet of the shoreline, which many consider insufficient.

Legislative efforts to enhance water quality protections have gained momentum, with several lake-related bills passing in the recent session. However, challenges remain in enforcing these regulations due to limited resources at both state and local levels. The discussion underscored the interconnectedness of sedimentation issues and the need for comprehensive management strategies to protect local water bodies.