Water Quality at Square Pond
September 21, 2008- Water Clarity
Water Clarity From May to September 15th
Water Clarity PDF
September 21, 2008- Water Temperature
Water Temperature of the Lake from May to September 15th
Water Temp PDF
September 21, 2008- Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen from May to September 15th
Dissolved Oxygen PDF
September 05, 2008- Square Pond Quality Information
The Watershed Study conducted in 2006, along with declining water quality results indicate Square Pond has a problem. This problem is Phosphorus. Phosphorus is entering our lake at levels well above the limit that our lakes can handle. Phosphorus is OK in "normal" amounts, but our lake exceeds that normal range. This produces the same result as adding excess fertilizer to a garden. This excess phosphorus feeds algae and causes them to run rampant resulting in less clear waters and diminished oxygen. If you have noticed more water weeds, more vegetation growing and more slime in and around your shoreline, phosphorus is the causative agent. If not addressed the algae will multiply to a point of creating an algae growth or bloom, with odors and a possible fish kill. Property values will plummet and lake use becomes less welcoming or unusable. So where does the phosphorus come from? Polluted run-off from snow or rain picks up the phosphorus as it flows over roads, driveways, beaches and when direct access to a lake occurs-trouble begins. On Square Pond 67% of identified sites were residential. 7% were due to roads, beaches and driveways. Although the percentage is much lower, the impact is far greater. 55 sites were found to have sand added to the beach or excessive beaches. The sandy soils in and around Square Pond are also not well suited for waste disposal systems. These soils allow nutrients from the leach field to have faster and more abundant access to the lake, again this is food for algae. Is there help for Square Pond?? Absolutely. As a property owner you have direct access to the York County Soil & water Conservation District and the Acton- Shapleigh Youth Conservation Corps. They can visit your site and do a technical assessment of your property with recommendations for a resolution. You can then have the remedial action done by them if you meet the requirements or you may choose to do the work yourself. The use of planted vegetation and mulch are usually part of the plan although not limited to. Also attend a Septic Social to educate yourself to its workings and what you as a user can do to prolong its life and work-ability. Having your septic system pumped every 2-3 years for year round use and 5 years for seasonal use is also very helpful. As they say-
The ball is in your court!...Mousam did it and so can we!!
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