Water Quality Milfoil Conservation Corps Water Quality Technical Info
Water Quality
What is Water Quality?
Water quality is the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance can be assessed. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to drinking water, safety of human contact and for the health of ecosystems. Environmental water quality relates to water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Water quality standards vary significantly due to different environmental conditions, ecosystems, and intended human uses. Toxic substances and high populations of certain microorganisms can present a health hazard for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, swimming, fishing, rafting, boating, and industrial uses. These conditions may also affect wildlife which use the water for drinking or as a habitat.Why a trust for lake protection?
Water quality concerns in the 7 lakes of the Belgrade chain are interconnected, extensive and serious. In order to address these issues effectively, leaders from the watershed’s lake associations, Conservation Corps and Milfoil Committee have committed to work closely together within the organizational structure of the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance. Their collaboration is known as the Lake Trust.
What is a lake association?
Usually, lake associations are voluntary organizations with members who own land on or near a lake. They can be involved in various levels of lake management activities and vary from well-run lake management groups to loose-knit social groups.
What lake associations are in the Belgrade Watershed?
The Belgrade Lakes Association, the East Pond Association, the McGrath Pond and Salmon Lake Association, the North Pond Association, and the Messalonskee Lake Association.
What is LakeSmart?
The LakeSmart program rewards lake friendly landscaping, living, and use of best management practices (BMP’s) by recognizing homeowners whose properties score well in 4 categories: (1) driveway and parking; (2) structures and septic; (3) lawn, recreation and foot paths; (4) shorefront and beach area. See link for more detail about LakeSmart in our watershed.What is a watershed community forum?
Where can I get some Watershed Wisdom?
Are there resources for homeowners?
Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance
P.O. Box 250
Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918
(207) 495-6039
brca@gwi.net
