| January 27, 2012 |
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Watershed Survey Set To Protect Woods Pond |
| Final Contribution Received |
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On January 23, the Portland Water District’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to support a Woods Pond Watershed Survey with a $1,000 cash contribution and $960 worth of staff support. This is the final contribution that matches the generous support provided by watershed residents and the Town of Bridgton.
Located in Bridgton, Woods Pond ultimately drains to Sebago Lake, the water supply for 200,000 people in Greater Portland.
While Woods Pond’s water quality remains good, long-term test results have raised concerns about declining water clarity and increasing levels of phosphorus. Too much phosphorus can result in algae blooms which can turn a lake green.
“Disastrous blooms of this sort have already occurred in Maine lakes around Augusta and Lewiston; the Woods Pond Water Quality Committee wants to make sure it doesn’t happen here,” states the Committee’s Project Coordinator Jeff Stern. Woods Pond is one of the last lakes in the Lakes Region that hasn’t had a watershed survey.
The watershed survey slated to begin April 28, is being led by the Woods Pond Water Quality Committee. Partners include Lakes Environmental Association, Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, Town of Bridgton, Portland Water District, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
The watershed survey, which will be conducted by community volunteers trained by technical experts, will identify and prioritize potential pollution sources in Woods Pond’s 3,329-acre watershed. The survey will produce recommendations to improve water quality.
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For more information, contact:
Michelle Clements, APR
207.774.5961, 3050
(cell) 207.228.4897
mclements@pwd.org
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