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Mousam Lake Shows Improving Water Quality

April 16, 2008 - Shapleigh -- Patricia Baldwin, of Mousam Lake in Shapleigh, invites you to go to the website epa.gov/nps/success/state/me_mousam.htm to read the success story of improvements made in the water quality at Mousam Lake.

For decades, Mousam Lake received increased storm water runoff from shoreland development, lawns, roads and aging septic systems. Phosphorus in the storm water led to increased algal growth and subsequent impairments to water quality, including a decrease water clarity and dissolved oxygen. Following 10 years of intensive pollution control projects, water clarity in Mousam Lake is now 3 feet deeper; and the lake now attains water quality standards.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection removed Mousam Lake from its section 303(d) impaired waters list in 2006.

This article first appeared in Sanford News, April 10, 2008.


Lakes: Mousam Lake
Regions: Sanford


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