Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

A small child’s shoes left behind on the shores of East Pond serves as a reminder of the need to preserve the quality of our lakes for future generations to enjoy
This yellow & black sign serves as a warning to boaters to check their boat and gear for invasive plants before entering the water
No invasive plants here, just naturally occurring pond weeds but the potential exists for future invasives
DEP biologist Barb Welch talks with reporters and camera crew about ways to help protect this fragile water body
Barb gets the boat ready while Dr. Peter Kallin, Executive Director of the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, collects a sample of the pond water
Barb takes the WMTW TV8 crew out to test the depth of visibility of the water. Most Maine lakes average 16 feet of clarity, today East Pond only had about 3 feet of clarity
Dr. Kallin observes the water sample
Small green particles of algae can be viewed in the water sample which gives the pond the pea soup green coloration
East Pond Association members discuss the pond’s status with the news media

How to help prevent Maine’s lakes & ponds from “going green”

The DEP recently made a visit to East Pond in Smithfield to highlight the plight of Maine water bodies being “stressed” by heat and pollutants. On this mid July day DEP biologist Barb Welch had the opportunity to share with reporters from WABI5 TV, WMTW8 and the Morning Sentinel just how pollutants such as phosphorus, spilled oil, gas, fertilizer and pesticides “hitchhike” on soil that makes its way into water bodies. Phosphorus is one reason lakes turn “green” with algae blooms. Every inch of Maine is in a watershed that drains to a body of water somewhere so no matter where you live you can help to keep Maine waters pollution free by preventing soil erosion, using trees and shrubs to filter runoff, use less fertilizers & pesticides, maintain septic systems and dispose of chemicals and pet waste properly.

View the July 15th press release “Maine Lakes Experience Early Problem.” For more prevention tips.

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How to help prevent Maine’s lakes & ponds from “going green”

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