Watershed Management Bureau

  Lakes Management and Protection

    Fact Sheets and Publications Related to Lakes Issues

Fact Sheets

DES has hundreds of fact sheets relevant to lake use and shorefront home ownership. Please look under these headings for specific topics of interest.

Lake Biology
Rivers & Lakes
Shoreland Protection
Watershed
Water Supply
Water Quality Engineering
Wetlands

Publications

Draft Comprehensive Lake Inventory

This document was completed by the Lake Management and Protection Program's Local Management Advisory Committee (LMAC) in 2003. It is a tool for laypersons to help assess lakes and their surrounding watershed. The inventory asks 94 questions based on ten major attributes to guide the assessment process. To request a copy of the Draft Comprehensive Lake Inventory, please contact LMPP at (603) 271-2959 or jcolburn@des.state.nh.us.

Lakes Management Criteria for New Hampshire State Agencies

This document was completed by the Lake Management and Protection Program's Lakes Management Advisory Committee (LMAC) in 1996. LMAC reviewed and assessed state agency programs and polices under the guidelines set forth in RSA 483-A. Learn about the recommendations they made to improve lakes management and water quality in New Hampshire. For a copy contact the Public Information Office at (603) 271-2975 or pip@des.state.nh.us.

Eco-Safe Boating Tips [pdf]
These cards are designed to be kept in boats as a quick reference guide. The cards contain information on eco-safe fueling practices, engine maintenance, low polluting marine engines, boat washing, pump out stations and other useful tips. These cards are copy-right free and may be downloaded and printed as needed. Consider laminating it for long-term usage. Eco-Safe Boating Tips cards were funded in part through a Pollution Prevention grant from the US EPA.

A Boater's Guide to Sewage Pumpout
It is illegal to discharge raw sewage and gray water (shower and sink waste) from a boat into New Hampshire inland waters, or to discharge raw sewage within three miles of the coast in tidal waters. Learn more about how to use marine pumpout stations.

Attention Boaters! Are you unknowingly spreading exotic aquatic plants?
Have you been boating, fishing or recreating on waterbodies with exotic aquatic plants? Over 55 waterbodies in New Hampshire are now impacted by exotic plants. Learn what you can do to stop the spread.

Marine Engines and the Environment: Low-Pollution Engines Reduce Air and Water Pollution
Cleaner, low-pollution outboard marine engines are better for the environment, easier to maintain, and more fuel efficient, which translate directly into saving money for you, the consumer. Read more about the problems of older marine outboards and the benefits of four-stroke and direct fuel injection two-stroke engines.

Don't Drink Untreated Surface Water! What lake and riverfront residents should know
Some residents and visitors think of New Hampshire as still rural and pristine, and believe it is safe to use lake or river water for drinking. Regardless of the presumed safety of this practice in the past, drinking untreated water from lakes, ponds and streams is NOT safe and DES strongly cautions against this practice! Read why.

Keep Gasoline from Your Drinking Water
Gasoline is one of the most dangerous products commonly found around the home, yet people sometimes use it and store it with little care. Learn how to safely use gasoline around your home, camp or boat.

Is It Safe To Eat The Fish We Catch?
It's hard to believe that fish that looks, smells, and tastes fine may not be safe to eat. But the truth is that fish caught in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers have mercury in them. Other states have this problem too. Read more about health guidelines for freshwater fish consumption.