Land Use Management

Stopping soil pollution for cleaner lakes

Did you know that soil pollution is the #1 cause of declining water quality in Maine lakes? This is because the soil surrounding our lakes naturally contains phosphorus. Phosphorus is the nutrient that most influences the growth of algae in lake ecosystems. Even small increases in phosphorus can cause substantial increases in algal growth, hindering water quality as well as the economic, recreational, and aesthetic value of our lakes.

With increased development throughout the watershed, rain water now flows faster across the landscape and carries more sediment (and phosphorus!) into our lakes. Controlling erosion is important to reducing the collective impact we have on water quality and the health of our lakes, ponds, and streams.