Featured Spotlights
Give Your Lake a Voice: Create a Lake Association
A lake association consists of volunteers who own land on or near a lake. Often, lake associations form when there are concerns about water quality or the use of the lake, and these volunteers want to take action. Members will work to raise concerns, become educated about problems, and work toward solutions. These groups can help influence ordinances and regulations for the betterment of their lakes.
It’s not easy being green
“Going green” is not always a good thing when it comes to waterbody appearances. Exposure to cyanobacteria in waterbodies can be dangerous and toxic for humans and animals. Cyanobacteria often appears as a kind of green scum in waterbodies, but it can have other appearances, too. If you think you have seen cyanobacteria in a waterbody, submit a Bloom Report Form and visit the NHDES Cyanobacteria page for further information.
Help Track Lake Ice-In and Ice-Out
The NHDES VLAP began tracking lake ice-in and ice-out dates in 2011 (View Current Ice-In and Ice-Out Information) “Ice-out” typically describes when ice leaves a lake in the spring. Some consider this to be when a boat can be navigated from one end of a lake or pond to the other, or when the lake is completely free of ice. “Ice-in” is the term used to describe when ice covers a lake in the fall.
Report a Beach-Related Illness
If you or someone in your family (including pets!) becomes ill or develops a rash after recreating at one of New Hampshire's public beaches, lakes or rivers, you should first consult with your doctor. You can then submit a detailed report to allow our staff and the Department of Health and Human Services to track waterborne-related illnesses throughout the state.
Current Beach and Cyanobacteria Health Advisories
When fecal bacteria or cyanobacteria counts at designated public beaches are higher than the state standards, an advisory is issued to notify the public, approximately 24 hours after sampling. The beaches with advisories are noted on an online map. Detailed sampling results are also available through the OneStop database.