8334-R3_ML&P_LSLA_2023_SummerNewsletter_Web

Waterfall – Watershed- Ways to Protect

while reducing excessive nutrients including phosphorus out of the water. It is important to understand that the watershed area surrounding a lake or river may differ greatly depending on wither the watershed is underdeveloped or developed. An underdeveloped watershed creates multiple layers of vegetation from the trees, shrubs and ground cover which filters rainfall hitting the forest floor. This loose layer is referred to as duff capable of absorbing water and nutrients while minimizing flow directly into a body of water. A developed watershed which we have on Little Sebago Lake has developed residential neighborhoods, roads, manicured lawns, paved driveways, parking lots which create an impervious surface preventing rain from soaking into the ground. This results in the rain creating channels increasing soil erosion. Human activity makes impermeable surfaces that do not allow rain to soak into the ground, increasing the overland flow of rain water that pickups nutrients such a phosphorus and deposits them into the lake where they can feed unwanted algae growth .The development of culverts , ditches and storm water drains can assist in reducing erosion while directing the flow of rainwater. Let’s now discuss the presence of phosphorus in our lake water. You can find phosphorus in many places including pet waste, fertilizers, and household cleaners. However, the biggest source of phosphorus is the sand and soil that is washed into the lake after a rain event. This is a naturally occurring element that feeds lake algae and plant life in the water. Too much phosphorus can put the lake out of balance feeding massive algae blooms that smell terrible, turn the water green, degrade

A lakes watershed refers to the land surrounding the area which serves to channel the snowfall and rainfall from streams, creeks, rivers, storm drains and groundwater to the lake. The watershed supplies important nutrients and organic matter as well as the critical water supplies needed to replenish the lake while supporting life with critical elements. The lake’s watershed keeps the lakes and streams clean by absorbing and filtering rainfall

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