Caring For The Lake

Since 1908 the Portland Water District has been caring for Sebago Lake and educating lake residents and tourists about lake friendly practices. Because of these efforts, Sebago Lake remains as pristine as it was 100 years ago despite development and increased recreation.

SEBAGO LAKE IS A TREASURE

10 Easy Ways To Keep It That Way!
For many people Sebago Lake means fun: boating, swimming, fishing and more.

For 200,000 people in Greater Portland, Sebago Lake is drinking water.

On Your Boat...

1. CLEAN YOUR BOAT: Clean your boat while on dry land, away from the lake. If your boat has been in other lakes, it could be carrying small organisms or invasive plants (milfoil or zebra mussels, for example) that would wreak havoc on the ecosystem of the lake.
   
   
2. MAKE SURE YOUR BOAT IS RUNNING PROPERLY: If you notice an oil slick behind your engine, get the leak repaired.
   
   
3. SLOW DOWN: Prevent soil erosion by observing the speed limits when close to the shoreline and along the Songo River.
   
   
4. DON’T DUMP GARBAGE IN THE LAKE OR ON SHORE: Use trash bags to dispose of your food scraps, bottles, cans and other trash.
   
   
5. DISPOSE OF SEWAGE APPROPRIATELY: Empty your holding tank or port-a-potty in a suitable disposal area on land.
   
   

At Camp...

1. SCOOP POOP: If you have a pet, clean up after it. Pet wastes can carry bacteria that transmit ear, eye, and throat infections into the water.
   
   
2. USE LAKE SAFE SOAPS: Use non-phosphate laundry soaps (required by Maine law).
   
   
3. DON’T USE THE LAKE AS A BATHTUB: Don’t bathe or wash your hair in the lake.
   
   
4. PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK: Have your septic tank pumped frequently- four to five years for seasonal homes, two to three years for year-round homes.
   
   
5. DON’T COLOR THE LAKE GREEN: Maintain plants, trees, and forest duff on the property to filter out pollution and prevent erosion. Walk on footpaths to avoid destroying vegetation. Erosion washes phosphorus into the lake, which feeds algae and turns the lake green.
   
   

For more information on keeping Sebago Lake healthy, please visit the Sebago Lake Ecology Center at the intersection of Routes 237 and 35 or contact us.