THE MOST SERIOUS THREAT TO THE LAKE IS CALLED NON POINT SOURCE POLLUTION (NPSP).
What can we do about it?
NPSP is the dumping of eroded soil into the lake from a multitude of points around the lake. This soil (gravel from roads, erosion from driplines, runoff from driveways, etc.) is full of phosphorus. Phosphorus causes plants and algae to grow faster, often resulting in an algae bloom
Algae blooms can make the water visibility drop to < 2 feet. It smells awful and your property value may drop by 50% or more. Preventing NPSP can add to the value of your property.
NPSP is stopped by having the water runoff from rain, roads, houses, etc. infiltrate into the ground well before it reaches the lake. The ground will filter the phosphorous out of the water. There are a number of best management practices (we call them BMPs) that a homeowner or road association can use to stop NPSP in various situations.
NPSP issues are most serious closer to the lake but can occur anywhere in our 23 square mile watershed.
Waterfront taxes are 34% of town revenue so if those taxes drop because of a drop in waterfront property value then the rest of Ellsworth properties with stable property values will see a rise in their taxes to keep the total city revenue flat.
The #1 source of NPSP in Branch Lake are the gravel roads. Developed lots, although less of a problem than roads, do significantly add to the phosphorous load. A developed lot can dump from 100 to 500% more phosphorous into the lake than an undeveloped lots unless mitigated using BMPs.
Branch Lake Association has individuals trained in the application of these BMPs and are happy to assist you in developing a NPSP reduction plan for your property (or road if you are a road commissioner for one of the road associations).
Please keep our lake clear: insist contractors get proper permits and follow BMPs; and use BMPs to improve your own property.
Our library of BMPs can be found here.