The water's edge: Protecting our lakes begins on the land

When most people think about a lake, they think about the water itself. They picture a favorite swimming spot, a quiet cove, a fishing hole, or the view from a dock. But the truth is that a lake extends far beyond its shoreline.

Every lake is connected to a larger watershed, the land area that drains water into it. Rain and snowmelt that fall on roads, rooftops, parking lots, forests, lawns, and fields eventually make their way downhill, carrying whatever they pick up along the way. Whether you live directly on the water or miles from the nearest shoreline, your actions can have an impact on the health of the lakes in your community.

This concept is easy to overlook because watersheds are largely invisible. We don't often think about the network of streams, wetlands, storm drains, and groundwater connections that link our neighborhoods to the lakes we enjoy. Yet these connections play a critical role in determining water quality.

A heavy rainstorm provides a good example. Water running off a driveway may flow into a roadside ditch, then into a stream, and eventually into a lake. Along the way, it can carry soil, nutrients, road salt, pet waste, and other pollutants. Over time, these inputs can contribute to algae growth, reduced water clarity, and other water quality challenges.

The good news is that watersheds also provide opportunities for protection. Forests help absorb and filter water before it reaches streams. Wetlands slow runoff and trap sediment. Vegetated shoreline buffers help keep nutrients and pollutants out of the water. Well-maintained septic systems and thoughtful stormwater management can significantly reduce impacts before they reach a lake.

This is why lake protection efforts often focus on areas that may seem far removed from the water itself. Communities across New Hampshire are investing in stormwater improvements, watershed management planning, stream restoration, and education/advocacy programs because protecting lakes begins throughout the watershed, not just at the shoreline.

Understanding this connection also expands who can be part of the solution. You do not need to own waterfront property to help protect a lake. Picking up pet waste, maintaining septic systems, reducing salt use, planting native vegetation, and supporting local conservation efforts all contribute to healthier watersheds and healthier lakes. The next time you visit your favorite lake, think beyond the shoreline. The condition of the water reflects the condition of the entire watershed around it. Every property owner, every community, and every decision made on the landscape has an impact. If we want healthy lakes for future generations, we must look beyond the water's edge, because protecting a lake begins long before the shoreline.

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Bree Rossiter is the associate director of the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, the only nonprofit dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed through science, education, advocacy, and collaborative solutions. Her work focuses on advancing long-term watershed protection initiatives and connecting science with practical solutions to help preserve the lake for future generations. To learn more, visit winnipesaukee.org.