Limit use of household chemicals to protect the lake

Whether you are touching up the exterior paint on your house, changing the oil in your car or lawnmower, getting stains out of clothes with strong cleaners, or tending to your home-garden with pesticides to get rid of those pesky aphids, you should know that these household products have the potential to contaminate Lake Winnipesaukee.

Many common household products contain chemicals, which, if improperly disposed of, can contaminate ground and surface water, impact septic systems, and make their way into Lake Winnipesaukee, resulting in deteriorating water quality.

Even when used away from the lake, the toxic components in these products can enter the environment through improper disposal methods like being thrown out in the garbage, poured down the drain or toilet, dumped outside, or spilled.

Along with several other states, New Hampshire banned the sale of detergents containing high levels of phosphates starting in 2010. The restrictions limit phosphorus in household dishwasher detergents to 0.5% to help reduce nutrient pollution and its harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Although phosphorus has been largely removed in detergents, there are additional concerns with nitrogen compounds, surfactants, dyes and other chemicals. Once these pollutants enter our waterways, they can cause accelerated growth of algae, harm fish and wildlife, and greatly damage aquatic ecosystems. With long-term accumulation of these hazardous household products in our lake, Winnipesaukee’s water quality will drastically decline.

Most household cleaning supplies, paints, oils, and similar products come with disposal instructions on their labels. Please follow these guidelines to prevent environmental contamination. But the best thing to do to reduce your environmental impact is to choose natural alternatives to household cleaners and lawn/garden products.

Hazardous chemicals should be taken to a local waste disposal facility rather than being thrown out in regular garbage. The Lakes Region Planning Commission organizes Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days from June to September every year.

To keep our Lakes Region clean and beautiful, residents and taxpayers may bring up to 10 gallons or 50 pounds of household hazardous waste to any of the collection sites.

Saturday, July 27, there will be a collection at the Gilford DPW Garage at 55 Cherry Valley Road and the Meredith DPW Garage at 17 Jenness Hill Road from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Moultonborough and Bristol will hold events on Saturday, Aug. 3, Tuftonboro offers a weekday option on Thursday, Sept. 26, and the last event of the year will be on Saturday, Sept. 28, in Laconia.

Take the opportunity to get rid of any household or pool chemicals, pesticides, cleaning fluids, roofing tar, antifreeze, gasoline, or oil-based paints. A few of the items not accepted include propane tanks, electronics, rechargeable batteries and tires. Contact LRPC if you have questions at 603-279-8171.

By minimizing the use and improper disposal of hazardous household products, you can help Keep Winni Blue.