We received results back from the NHDES for the water testing done on 6/16/22.  The long-term graphs are updated on the web site and can be seen here.  The specific test results for all parameters of the 6/16 test can be seen here.  Below are the areas we generally track and their June 22 values.

• Chlorophyll-a samples measure the amount of algal growth in the water column. Algae typically grow where there are ample sunlight and nutrients. Increases in algal production rates are generally caused by fertilizers, excessive soil erosion, stormwater run-off, pet waste and wastewater.
  • This dropped pretty significantly from prior results and is currently in a good range. As this is the first test of the year it is likely that this will increase as we have warmer water temperatures.
• Conductivity is the numerical expression of the ability of water to carry an electric current, which is determined by the number of negatively charged ions from metals, salts and minerals in the water. Generally caused by road salt runoff.
  • This remained reasonably static to prior periods, which are elevated as compared to the state median. At least it didn’t increase.
• E. coli is a coliform bacteria found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals. Some strains are pathogenic (disease causing).
  • coli at the outlet increased somewhat from last year’s value but is still significantly under state medians.
• pH is a measure of how acidic/basic water is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pHs of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7indicates a base. In general, the more neutral it is the better the health of the lake.
  • Our value increased over last year which is a good thing as it is moving us away from an acidic value towards a more balanced state.
• Total phosphorus is a measure of all the phosphorus forms present in the water, including inorganic and organic forms. It is typically the limiting nutrient for aquatic plants and algae in NH lakes and directly relates to a waterbody’s trophic status.
  • Phosphorus dropped from the levels seen the last 2 years and is well below the state median.
• Transparency is how far can you see in the water. The bigger the number, the more clear it is.
  • This year we could see an average of 4.9 meters (about 16 feet) which is well above the state median of 3.3 meters – we’re glad to have such clear water.

In summary we are in pretty good shape.  With the exception of conductivity (which has been driven largely by lower rainfall) we are in pretty good shape as compared to the state medians.  While this is the early test in the year (the later test usually produces poorer results as the water warms) it is encouraging to many of our testing parameters moving in a positive direction.