So far, we have been fortunate to avoid any major environmental issues that have negatively affected everyone’s enjoyment of the lake or resulted in costly remediation initiatives. However, based on recent water quality testing results and evolving conditions of neighboring lakes, we have identified and are focused on the following threats to the short and long term health of Kolelemook Lake.
The following is from the NHDES 2023 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Report for Kolelemook Lake:
The following is from the NHDES 2023 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Report for Kolelemook Lake:
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Lake phosphorus levels remained representative of oligotrophic, or high-quality conditions, however algal growth was the above the threshold for oligotrophic lakes and phytoplankton population data indicate cyanobacteria were dominant in the sample. Excessive summer rainfall and high water levels likely contributed nutrients necessary to fuel excess algal/cyanobacteria growth. This highlights the importance of managing stormwater runoff, maintaining septic, establishing and maintaining shoreline buffers and minimizing use within the watershed. While conductivity has significantly increased since monitoring began, it appears to have stabilized since 2010.
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Cynobacteria
Cynobacteria, formerly known as blue green-algae, are microscopic, photosynthesizing organisms that naturally exist in lakes and other water bodies. Normally, relatively small amounts of cynobacteria are invisible to the eye and harmless. However, when certain nutrient pollution increases in the lake, mainly through runoff pollution, the amount of cynobacteria can rapidly multiply, potentially creating visible ‘blooms’, which may be toxic to humans, pets and wildlife!
The State of New Hampshire legislature has recognized cynobacteria as a threat and in 2022 passed an act ‘establishing a commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and human and animal health impacts relating to cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire water bodies’. Furthermore, the Act required ‘the commissioner of the department of environmental services to prepare a plan relative to cyanobacterial blooms in New Hampshire’. In October 2023, the NHDES released New Hampshire’s Cynobacteria Plan: A Statewide Strategy to address the cynobacteria threat.
Cynobacteria, formerly known as blue green-algae, are microscopic, photosynthesizing organisms that naturally exist in lakes and other water bodies. Normally, relatively small amounts of cynobacteria are invisible to the eye and harmless. However, when certain nutrient pollution increases in the lake, mainly through runoff pollution, the amount of cynobacteria can rapidly multiply, potentially creating visible ‘blooms’, which may be toxic to humans, pets and wildlife!
The State of New Hampshire legislature has recognized cynobacteria as a threat and in 2022 passed an act ‘establishing a commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and human and animal health impacts relating to cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire water bodies’. Furthermore, the Act required ‘the commissioner of the department of environmental services to prepare a plan relative to cyanobacterial blooms in New Hampshire’. In October 2023, the NHDES released New Hampshire’s Cynobacteria Plan: A Statewide Strategy to address the cynobacteria threat.
What does a Bloom look like?
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Per NH Lakes:
When blooms are discovered, they are usually found in cove areas or along the windward shoreline of a waterbody. The water’s surface may look like pea soup, antifreeze, or someone dumping greenish-blue paint into the water. Some blooms can look cloudy white or like little yellow fuzzy balls. Alarmingly, we’re seeing and learning about more and more types of cyanobacteria each year. Blooms MUST be tested to determine if they contain toxins or not. It isn’t possible to tell if a bloom is toxic just by its appearance. |
The NHLAKES Cynobacteria Information Sheet in the PDF below is a great resource with sample pictures and steps to take if you see a bloom.
| cyanobacteria-id-card-final-5823.pdf |
What to do if you see or suspect a cynobacteria bloom?
- Don’t wade or swim or drink the water.
- Keep kids, pets, and livestock out of the water.
- Anyone (including pets) who comes in contact with a bloom or scum should rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.
- Report it to the KLPA under any of the methods in the Contact Us page of this website. A picture and description of the location would help.
How can I help?
- Stay informed and know what to look for.
- If you see something that looks unusual, say something to the KLPA.
- Homeowners, participate in the NH LAKES Lake Smart program to mitigate pollution runoff from your property.
Invasive Species
An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health. Large areas of invasive plants in a lake can make swimming and boating difficult and dangerous. They are expensive to control and nearly impossible to get rid of. They may also reduce shoreline property values over time.
The most popular way invasive species find their way to a lake is by hitching a ride on watercraft, trailers and recreational gear transported from an infected body of water.
What to look for?
The flyers below from NHDES and NHLAKES provide a great overview of both plant and animal invasive species that are known to be threats to New Hampshire lakes.
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Can it happen to Kolelemook Lake?
Certainly! In fact, in August 2023, curly-leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive species, was found in Baptist Pond – here in Springfield! The link below provides a cautionary tale of the consequences of dealing with an invasive species.
Curly-leaf Pondweed link
How can I help?
- Volunteer to be a Kolelemook Lake Weed Watcher! The commitment is minor but the benefits rewarding!
- Understand and practice Clean.Drain.Dry - steps to prepare your watercraft before launching into Kolelemook Lake.