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Water Quality Monitoring
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| Squam Conservation Corps volunteers taking Secchi Disk Measurements at the Cotton Cove monitoring site. Photo by Pollyanna Fisher
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The SLA was the charter participant in the NH Lakes Lay Monitoring Program (NH-LLMP) in 1979, a volunteer monitoring program coordinated by UNH Center for Freshwater Biology.
SLA also monitors the spread of invasive plants, such as varible milfoil, through the NH DES Weed Watcher program and tributaries through the UNH Center for Freshwater Biology.
The NH LLMP was designed to address acid rain and the greening of the lake, called "Eutrophication". Monitoring tests are concerned with neutralizing capacity (alkalinity), water clarity, algae levels and nutrient levels, primarily Phosphorous.
Overall, the Squam Lakes show very good water quality with average seasonal (summer) water quality testing well within the limits for a pristine lake. However, certain areas of the Lakes are displaying more productive (more algae and weeds) conditions during certain years and some areas are approaching less pristine conditions at a faster rate than natural processes should dictate. The type of weather and climate change cause quite a variation in the water quality of the Squam Lakes as well as other NH lakes.
Water Transparency is measured in meters using a secchi disk, which is lowered from a boat and viewed through a viewscope, which minimizes glare and reflections. Deeper secchi disk measurements (over 5 meters) reflect pristine water quality. Algal blooms, which result from nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) loading, decrease water transparency.
SLA relies on volunteers to collect water quality data at 12 locations around the lakes. Volunteers collect clarity data (Secchi Disk) weekly and integrated water samples for algae and clorophyll concentrations bi-weekly. If you live near Squam and would like to be involved in the water quality monitoring program or would like more information regarding NH-LLMP data, please contact info@squamlakes.org or call (603)968-7336.
Water Quality Monitoring Sites
Click on a site below to view a transparency chart.
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