Water Quality
Webster Lake is our most valued asset. Preserving its clarity and depth extends its life, maintains property values, supports fish, and protects the health of people who use it.
Phosphorus and sediment destroy this clarity and depth by feeding algae and aquatic weeds that lower the oxygen content. It only takes a minute quantity of phosphorus to increase the growth rate of algae.
Webster Lake 2010 Phosphorus and Cyanobacteria Study NHDES
Testing programs are run by the following entities:
- City of Franklin, Park and Rec- beaches weekly- closings posted with DES
- State of NH- Current Beach Advisory-DES
- State of NH Voluntary Lake Assessment Program (WLA volunteers)- VLAP program
- State of NH Voluntary River Assessment Program (WLA volunteers)- VRAP program
test results
VRAP
VLAP
Here are ways you can control these inputs and keep our lake healthy:
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Keep soap and phosphorus-containing detergents out of the lake.
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Do not bathe, shampoo or wash boats, pets or objects in the lake.
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Do not wash vehicles near the lake where the detergent can run into the water.
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Do not allow people or pets to urinate or defecate in the lake.
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Do not feed the ducks. Their feces add unwanted nutrients and raise the risk of swimmers’itch.
Do not allow firework debris to enter the lake. Firework debris contains numerous toxic heavy chemicals that are detrimental to aquatic life (see article in fall 06 newsletter).
We also need to keep our lake from filling in and becoming shallower. The following measures are essential:
- Do not add sand to the shore. It will fill the lake, add unwanted nutrients, reduce water clarity, increase weed and algae growth, and damage fish spawning sites.
- Maintain a buffer zone or natural vegetation along the shore to contain erosion and assimilate nutrients before they reach the lake.
Trees, like the buffer zone, are important. Check the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) website (www.des.state.nh.us) for the 50% rule. Stumps and their root systems located within 40 feet of the water must be left intact.
The Webster Lake Association participates in a monthly water quality testing during the summer months. This testing is done by volunteers in cooperation with NH DES. If you would like to volunteer some of your time or learn about the testing, please contact the association at: marksggl@gmail.com
Additional Resources:
NH Department of Environmental Services
New Hampshire Lakes Association
