Summary
Highlights
John Mullen, Chair of the Sunrise Lake Watershed Advisory Committee, welcomes attendees to the third annual event aimed at educating the community about the lake's quality. He introduces Cat Keller from New Hampshire Lakes, who will speak about water quality and the impact of septic systems, accounting for 22% of phosphorus load. The agenda also includes an update from Marine Patrol officer Belt on boating rules and etiquette.
Cat Keller introduces New Hampshire Lakes, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the state's lakes. She highlights the Lakesmart program, a free educational initiative for property owners to promote lake-friendly living and reduce nutrient runoff. The program aims to make lake protection a second nature for residents.
Keller discusses the declining water quality in New Hampshire lakes due to increased polluted runoff, aging septic systems, and changing weather patterns leading to heavier storms and erosion. She explains that cyanobacteria blooms, a growing concern, are fueled by sunshine, increased nutrients (especially phosphorus from erosion and failing septics), and warm water. Cyanobacteria poses health risks due to potential toxins, threatens tourism, and decreases property values. In 2024, 47 water bodies in New Hampshire experienced restricted recreation due to blooms, some even occurring under ice in winter.
Keller explains the function of septic systems, emphasizing that proper operation is crucial to prevent untreated wastewater and nutrients from entering groundwater and subsequently the lake. She details how solids (sludge) settle in the tank while liquids (effluent) get treated as they percolate through the drain field soil. Failing systems due to improper siting, rapid liquid movement, or damaged components can lead to contamination.
Practical advice for septic system maintenance includes using stainless steel sink strainers, not flushing anything but toilet paper, conserving water, and keeping non-water liquids out of drains. She strongly advises against septic additives, as they liquefy sludge and can damage the leach field. Regularly pumping out sludge and keeping the leach field clear of woody vegetation and heavy vehicles are essential. Proper snow storage planning is also important to prevent water overload.
Keller stresses the importance of regular septic inspections, differentiating them from pump-outs. Inspections assess the health and age of the leach field. She notes the significant cost of new septic systems, ranging from $20,000 to over $40,000, making maintenance a crucial investment. She also mentions a new New Hampshire law requiring septic inspections for property sales.
For those unsure about their septic system's location, New Hampshire DES provides an online 'OneStop portal' with records, and town offices may also have plans. Keller encourages community involvement, such as organizing group septic inspections, plant removal efforts, and building relationships with lake-friendly businesses, to achieve a 'tipping point' for cultural change in lake protection. She reiterates that the Lakesmart program is a free, confidential, and non-regulatory resource.
Dave, Vice Chair of the Sunrise Lake Watershed Advisory Council, praises the conservation commission's long-standing stewardship and the efforts of the SWLAC, led by John Mullen. He highlights successes like water quality testing, milfoil control, education programs, and obtaining over $100,000 in grants for runoff control and rain gardens. Dave announces John Mullen's 'Conservation Hero' award for his dedication to protecting Sunrise Lake, especially as he steps down as chair.
Officer Belt from New Hampshire Marine Patrol provides an overview of their role in enforcing boating laws for safety. He explains that while no major rule changes occurred for 2025-2026, general rules like maintaining current boat registration and adhering to the 150-foot safe passage rule (headway speed near shore, people, or structures) are crucial. He emphasizes that probable cause, often an expired registration, is needed for stops. For Personal Watercraft (PWC), operators must be at least 16 years old and have passed a boater education course, with recent administrative changes allowing online testing for adults.
Officer Belt addresses questions regarding no-wake zones, explaining that existing rules often already necessitate headway speed within 150 feet of shore, and specific no-wake markers require petitioning the Marine Patrol for placement. He encourages reporting unsafe boating by noting boat numbers or video. He also discusses wake boats, stating they are currently regulated as any other boat, and changing this would require legislative action. Visibility for swimmers and divers is also highlighted. The officer outlines typical safety checks during stops, including life jackets, sound-producing devices, and throwable flotation. He clarifies shoreline lighting regulations, stating lights shouldn't mimic navigation lights of a boat, and mooring balls cannot obstruct navigation or private access. Inflatable platforms must adhere to the 150-foot distance rule, and those used at night should be lit.