Polluted Stormwater Runoff

85-90% of Lake Pollution Comes From Stormwater Runoff

Relentless in our pursuit of the best practices to ensure a healthy, vibrant lake, we work to raise awareness about this issue. With increased development comes more impervious surfaces – roofs, driveways, parking lots, and roads, which do not allow the infiltration of rain or snow into the ground; resulting in increased amounts of polluted stormwater runoff.

Too much stormwater runoff causes flooding and erosion, and carries pollution that results in unclean and unhealthy lakes, ponds, beaches and habitats.

Undeveloped Area

In an undeveloped landscape, 50% of precipitation will soak into the ground, replenishing groundwater, and only 10% runs off.

Highly Developed Area

In a highly developed landscape 55% of precipitation runs off and only 15% soaks in.

Around Lake Winnipesaukee

Stormwater pipes discharge untreated water directly into our lakes.

What can you do to help keep Winnipesaukee Blue?

There are many ways in which property owners can reduce stormwater runoff from their properties. Observe your property during a heavy rainstorm, and see where the rain goes. Does it create rivulets or gullies, cause erosion, flow down the driveway into the road, or pool somewhere on your property?

NHDES has published a great resource for homeowners – NH Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management. The guide has DIY instructions for installing dripline trenches, rain gardens, infiltration steps, and more.

Want more help? The Winnipesaukee Blue Crew is available to come out to your home, and conduct a free, voluntary, and confidential site visit to assess your property and provide recommendations for reducing stormwater runoff in order to make your property more lake friendly.

Reach Out to Us

nutrients

invasive species

septic systems

Lake Level

Erosion

The Largest Threat to Lake Health