Protect Lake Winnipesaukee, don’t neglect it

Lake Winnipesaukee supports our economy, our communities, and our way of life. So far this summer, we haven’t seen any cyanobacteria blooms on the big lake, which is great news, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear.

One likely reason is that we had a solid ice cover this past winter, which helped regulate water temperatures and limited the amount of sunlight reaching the lake early in the season. Both of those conditions can minimize the potential for early season blooms.

But we know from recent years that blooms can still show up later in the summer, and the conditions that lead to them — nutrient pollution and stormwater runoff — are still present across the watershed. Protecting water quality takes

consistent effort, from everyone who lives in or visits the region. Whether you live on the shoreline or miles away, your daily choices matter. Everything that happens in the watershed eventually ends up in the lake.

Start in your yard. Nutrient pollution from fertilizers, soil erosion, and stormwater runoff fuels cyanobacteria growth. To reduce runoff, maintain a buffer of native plants and shrubs along the shore or at the edge of your yard. These plantings slow water, stabilize soil, and filter pollutants before they reach the lake. Avoid lawn fertilizers altogether, a green lawn can mean a green lake. And never rake leaves or dump sand into the lake. Decomposing material releases nutrients that harm water quality.

Manage erosion and runoff. Stabilize bare soil using mulch or native vegetation. Address areas where water cuts through your property during storms, especially near driveways or steep slopes. Minimizing runoff early prevents long-term damage and pollution.

Maintain your septic system. Poorly maintained systems can pollute groundwater and surface water, contributing to blooms and reducing water clarity. Pump your tank at least every three years and have a certified inspector check your system every five to seven years. Protect your leach field by keeping it free of trees that can cause root intrusion. Conserve water with low-flow fixtures and spread out daily use to reduce system strain. Never flush anything but toilet paper.

Be lake smart with your boat. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, and gear before launching in a new waterbody. This helps stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like variable milfoil and spiny water flea. Use a bilge sock to catch oil or fuel leaks, and never wash your boat in or near the lake, do it in an area where runoff won’t reach water.

Don’t feed wildlife. Feeding ducks, geese, or other animals may seem harmless, but it leads to overpopulation, aggressive behavior, and concentrated droppings that contribute bacteria and nutrients to the lake. Natural food sources and behavior are healthier for animals, and for our waters.

Protecting Lake Winnipesaukee doesn’t come down to one big solution. It depends on hundreds of small, daily choices made across the watershed. Every action adds up. The health of our lakes depends on us all.

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Bree Rossiter is the conservation program manager for the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance. She leads the water quality and cyanobacteria monitoring efforts, coordinates the LakeSmart program to promote lake-friendly practices among property owners, and supports community education and outreach initiatives. Bree can be reached at brossiter@

winnipesaukee.org. The Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance is the only nonprofit dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed. To learn more visit

winnipesaukee.org.