Eaton Water Quality Summary • for the One (1) Site Tested at Long Pond Outlet, Eaton’S Water Quality Overall Is Good

Eaton Water Quality Summary • For the one (1) site tested at Long Pond Outlet, Eaton’s water quality overall is good. All parameters tested fall within accepted NH and/or EPA standards for surface waters. However, we understand that we have a limited data set, with only one site in Eaton, to base this on.

Things that Eaton can do to help protect its water quality: 1) Encourage residents to get their septic systems checked 2) Continue to perform monitoring on lakes/ponds in Eaton -Either from LL program (UNH) or VLAP program (NHDES) 3) Reduce salt usage in roadways, especially those near or around bodies of water 4) Maintain riparian habitats around bodies of water 5) Use best management practices (BMPs) for any home/business on or near surface waters 6) Monitor the effectiveness of culverts in your town and replace those as needed

Report respectfully submitted by J. Emerson, Water Quality Coordinator at GMCG Water Quality Parameters: what are we testing for?

Dissolved Oxygen: The amount of oxygen contained in water is commonly expressed as a concentration in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L), and/or as a percent (%) saturation. Accurate dissolved oxygen readings are dependent on temperature and atmospheric pressure. Gases, like oxygen, dissolve more easily in cooler water than in warmer water. Depletions in dissolved oxygen can cause major shifts in the kinds of aquatic organisms found in water bodies. Turbidity: A measurement of the clarity of a fluid. The greater the turbidity, the murkier the water. High levels of suspended particles, which absorb heat from the sun, increases the water temperature. Suspended solids can clog fish gills, reduce growth rates, decrease resistance to disease and prevent egg and larval development of aquatic life. Temperature: The metabolic rates of organisms increase with increasing water temperature. An increased metabolism increases the need for oxygen. Temperature also influences the amount of oxygen dissolved in water and the rate of photosynthesis by algae and larger aquatic plants. Conductivity: a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. Conductivity in water is determined by the presence of ions that carry a positive or negative charge. Conductivity in some areas, typically those near road, may have higher than average levels due to manmade issues such as road salting during the winter months. Conductivity is also influenced by temperature (warmer water has higher conductivity) and by flow volume. pH: Water contains both hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions. At a pH of 7.0 (neutral) the concentration of both hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions is equal. When the pH is less than 7.0 (acidic) there are more hydrogen ions than hydroxyl ions. When the pH is greater than 7.0 (alkaline or basic) there are more hydroxyl ions than hydrogen ions. Generally speaking, the ability of aquatic organisms to complete a life cycle greatly diminishes as pH falls below 5.0 or exceeds 9.0. Total Phosphorus: Of the two nutrients most important to the growth of aquatic plants, nitrogen and phosphorus, it is generally observed that phosphorus is more limiting to plant growth in freshwater systems. Phosphorus is primarily associated with human related activities within the watershed and is therefore important to monitor and control. Water Quality Parameters Guideline

Parameter Acceptable Limits Dissolved Oxygen Above 75% saturation; between 6-12mg/L* Temperature No standard Turbidity 10 NTUs or lower; preferably in the 1 NTU range*

Conductivity Below 500uS/cm in rural areas; 1500uS/cm in urban areas** Total Phosphorus Below 30ug/L** pH Between 6.5-8; usually around 6.5 unless naturally lower*

*NH Rev Stat § 485-A:8 (2016) Standards for Classification of Surface Waters of the State **EPA recommendations GEA-1 Long Pond Outlet Monitored since 2013

Dissolved O2 vs. Temperature 12 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) has an 10 inverse relationship with temperature: as temperature 8 increases DO decreases. The R2 6 values from 2019 (orange) show mg/L a similar value compared to 4 combined 2013-2018 values y = -0.18x + 11.977 y = -0.1782x + 11.674 2 (blue) which indicates not much Volunteer Mark Carbone monitors GEA-1. 2019 2 R2 = 0.78 R = 0.6763 change overall for DO levels. 0 Class A waters in NH require over Parameter Trend Explanation 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 75% percent saturation and/or Temperature (C) pH Stable No significant trends; data show low variability between 6-12mg/L, both criteria Turbidity Stable No significant trends; data show low variability that GEA-1 achieves. Dissolved O2 % Saturation TP Stable No significant trends; data show low variability 110 Trends observed from 2013-2019 show stable levels within appropriate ranges 105 100 95 Conductivity by month 80 90 75 As water levels decrease over the 85 70 summer, conductivity levels tend to

Oxygen % 80 65 increase. It is not because the salt 75 60 level increases, but rather the water

70 uS/cm 55 level decreases so the salt is more 2013-2018 2019 65 concentrated. Values observed here 50 60 are well below the EPA 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 45 recommendation of 500uS/cm. 40 May June July Aug Sept Oct Effingham Water Quality Overview Jill Emerson Water Quality Coordinator Green Mountain Conservation Group RIVERS parameters GMCG volunteers tested parameters

• Turbidity • Dissolved Oxygen • Clarity of the fluid • Measures ability to support • Higher level of suspended particles = higher life temperature • VBAP school program looks for various macroinvertebrates which are intolerant to low DO readings • Conductivity • Temperature • Ability of water to pass an electrical • Metabolism increases with higher temperatures, charge which can result in lower DO readings • Based on other elements in the water • Different organisms prefer different temperatures that have positive (Mg+, Ca+) or - - negative (Cl , NO3 ) charges • Proxy for road salt (NaCl or CaCl2) • pH • Total Phosphorus (TP) • Pure water is 7.0 • With nitrogen, the two most • Most natural water in NH is slightly acidic important nutrients for plant and • Aquatic life prefers pH between 6.5 and 8.2 microbe life • Environmental increases indicate decomposition (i.e. sewage) • General changes to their site • Road work • New construction/demolition Water Quality Standards – Acceptable limits Either from NHDES or EPA*

• Dissolved O2: between 6-11mg/L and between 75% and 120% • Conductivity: below 500uS/cm • pH: between 6-8, preferably close to 6.5, unless naturally occurring as less, then no more than 1 pH shift • Turbidity: less than 10 NTU, unless baseline data indicates naturally occurring turbidity, then standard is less than 10 NTU above background levels (in our cases, there are no sites with naturally occurring turbidity above 10 NTU • Temperature: No standard, but monitored for changes • Total P: under 30ug/L, over this is considered “nuisance levels”

Each site we monitor will have naturally occurring differences due to geology, plant life, etc.

*The EPA and NHDES have slight differences between their acceptable limits O7*- ME-NH Border in Effingham, NH *Courtesy of SRCC Monitored since 2001 Dissolved O2 % Saturation Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 105 10.50 10.00 100 2013-2018 9.50 95 9.00 2019 90 8.50 85

mg/L 8.00 y = -0.1879x + 12.07 7.50 R2 = 0.9418 80 Above 75% DO 7.00 75 is ideal for life 6.50 y = -0.1818x + 12.11 70 6.00 R2 = 0.981 65 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 24.00 26.00 28.00 Temperature (C) 60 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

2019 Conductivity by Month 70

60 Year CFUs Rating Parameter Explanation 2017 42.83 Fair 50 pH Stable 2018 47.30 Fair Tubidity Stable 40 2019 45.56 Fair

uS/cm 30

0 May June July Aug Sept Oct Site location GE-1 Pine River (monitored since 2002) 2013-2019 data snapshot

Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2 Conductivity Effingham volunteer samples this site 110 2019 100 Parameter Explanation pH Slightly worsening but still within acceptable levels 90

Turbidity Stable 80 Total P* Slightly worsening but still within acceptable levels

uS/cm 70 2013-2018 *TP data only through 2018 60

40 May June July Aug. Sept. Oct.

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 95 Dissolved O2 vs. Temperature 21 90 19 2 85 R = 0.9626 17

80 15 % 75 13 Above 75% DO Temperature Temperature (C) 11 70 is ideal for life R2= 0.9721 9 65 7 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 60 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Oxygen mg/L GE-2 South River (monitored since 2002) Site location 2013-2019 data snapshot

Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2 Conductivity Freedom volunteers sample this site 90 2019 Parameter Explanation 80 pH Stable Turbidity Slightly improving but still within acceptable levels 70 Total P* Slightly improving but still within acceptable levels 60

*TP data only through 2018 uS/cm 2013-2018 50

30 May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Dissolved O2 % Saturation 120 Dissolved O2 vs. Temperature

25 100 R2= 0.9073 20 80 Above 75% DO 15

% 60 is ideal for life R2= 0.9526 10

40 Temperature (C) 5

20 0 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Oxygen mg/L GE-3 Ossipee River (monitored since 2003) 2013-2019 data snapshot Site location

Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC GMCG staff sample this site Conductivity 60 2019 Parameter Explanation 50 pH Stable 2013-2018 40 Turbidity Stable Total P* Stable 30 *TP data only through 2018

0 Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Dissolved O2 vs Temperature 30 Dissolved O2 % Saturation 110 25 105 R2= 0.9629 100 20 95 15 90

Temp. Temp. (C) 2 % 85 10 R = 0.9949 80 Above 75% DO 75 is ideal for life 5 70 0 65 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 60 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Dissolved O2 (mg/L) GE-3 Ossipee River (monitored since 2003) 2013-2019 data snapshot

Parameter 2013-2018 evaluation Ammonium Improving Nitrate Improving Total dissolved nitrogen Stable DON Stable Chloride 2018 had highest level seen in past 5 years Sodium 2018 had highest level seen in past 5 years DOC Stable

Higher levels of sodium and chloride indicate an increase in road salt (rock salt) in the 2018 season. As 2019 levels of conductivity are much higher than previous years, I suspect the sodium and chloride levels of 2019 will be higher than what was seen in 2018 (data not currently available to verify). Site location OL-12u Phillips Brook (monitored since 2005) 2013-2019 data snapshot Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, Conductivity anions, silica, DOC 700 Freedom and Madison volunteers sample this site 600

500 2019 Parameter Explanation pH Stable, but below acceptable levels 400

Turbidity Slightly improving but within acceptable levels uS/cm 300

Total P* Stable 200 *TP data only through 2018 100 2013-2018 0 Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 100 Dissolved O2 vs. Temperature 20 90 18 80 Above 75% DO 16 R2= 0.9277 70 is ideal for life 14 60 12 10 % 50

40 Temp (C) 8 2 6 R = 0.8634 30 4 20 2 10 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Dissolved O2 (mg/L) OL-12u Phillips Brook (monitored since 2005) 2013-2019 data snapshot

Parameter 2013-2018 evaluation Ammonium 2018 lowest level seen in past 5 years Nitrate Stable Total dissolved nitrogen Stable DON Stable Chloride 2018 highest level seen in past 5 years Sodium 2018 highest level seen in past 5 years DOC 2018 highest level seen in past 5 years

Increased levels of DOC indicate higher organic matter in the waterway. This can be naturally causing (increased plant/algae growth) or from sediment entering into the waterway. Phillips Brook does pass through a bog which may play a factor in various parameter levels. OL-13 Leavitt Brook (monitored since 2003) Site location 2013-2019 data snapshot Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, Freedom and Madison volunteers sample this site Conductivity 100

95 2019

Parameter Explanation 90 pH Stable 85 2013-2018 Turbidity Slightly improving but within acceptable levels 80 uS/cm Total P* Slightly worsening but within acceptable levels 75 *TP data only through 2018 70

60 May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Dissolved O2 % Saturation 100 Dissolved O2 vs. Temperature 20 95 19 90 18 2 85 17 R = 0.6488 16

% 80 15 2019 75 2013-2018 Above 75% DO 14

is ideal for life Temperature (C) 70 13 12 65 R2= 0.6659 11 60 10 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 Oxygen mg/L What is cyanobacteria? • Bacteria that has the ability to photosynthesize, which is where the blue- green coloring comes from • Unique pigment called phycocyanin • Also contains chlorophyll (green) and phycoerythrin (red) • Also known as “blue green algae”, despite it not being an algae, and not always being blue green. • Coloring depends on lighting, amount of bacteria, refracting elements, and the ratio of pigments

• Believed to be one of the first organisms that could produce oxygen • Cyanobacteria is typically present in aquatic environments, and at low growths is normal.

Cyanobacteria blooms, aka Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) Dolichospermum bloom on Province Lake August 2019

GMCG responded to about 6 calls from Province Lake residents during the summer of 2019. Inaturalist.com Freedom Water Quality Overview Jill Emerson Water Quality Coordinator Green Mountain Conservation Group RIVERS parameters GMCG volunteers tested parameters

Each site we monitor will have naturally occurring differences due to geology, plant life, etc.

*The EPA and NHDES have slight differences between their acceptable limits OL-9u Cold Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2012 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Freedom volunteers monitor this site Conductivity by Month 90 80 Parameter Rating Explanation 70 Low variability; no significant 60 pH Stable trends 50 40 Low variability; no significant uS/cm Turbidity Stable trends 30 20 Total P* Improving Lowest value seen in 5 years 10 *Data available only through 2018 0 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 120 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 11.5 110 11 100 2019 y = -0.2785x +13.47 10.5 R2 = 0.9738

% 90 10

mg/L 9.5 2014-2018 80 Above 75% is ideal for life 9 70 y = -0.2264x +12.751 8.5 R2 = 0.9195

60 8 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 8 10 12 14 16 18 Temperature (C) OL-10 Huckins Outflow Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Freedom volunteers monitor this site Conductivity by Month 80 70 Parameter Rating Explanation 60 Low variability; no significant 50 pH Stable trends 40 uS/cm Low variability; no significant 30 Turbidity Stable trends 20 Total P* Improving Lowest value seen in 5 years 10 0 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 130 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 120 11

110 10 100 2019 y = -0.1762x +11.309 9 R2 = 0.5137

% 90 8

80 mg/L Above 75% is 2014-2018 7 70 ideal for life

60 6 y = -0.2487x +11.978 R2 = 0.5429 50 5 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 Temperature (C) OL-1u West Branch Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Conductivity by Month Ossipee volunteers monitor this site 50

Parameter Rating Explanation 40 Low variability; no significant pH Stable trends uS/cm 35 Low variability; no significant 30 Turbidity Stable trends Total P* Improving Lowest value seen in 5 years 25 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 120 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 11 2019 y = -0.2557x +11.957 100 10 R2 = 0.7958 2014-2018 9 80

% 60

mg/L y = -0.2557x +11.957 7 Above 75% is R2 = 0.7958 40 ideal for life 6 Sept. 20 5 y = -0.175x +10.254 R2 = 0.2402 0 4 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 Temperature (C) GF-1 Danforth Outlet Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Holderness volunteer monitors this site Conductivity by Month 90 Parameter Rating Explanation 80 Low variability; no significant 70 pH Stable trends 60 50

Low variability; no significant /cm 40 uS Turbidity Stable trends 30 Low variability; no significant 20 Total P* Stable trends 10 0 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019 Dissolved O2 % Saturation 110

105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 11 100 10.5 2019 95 y = -0.1601x +12.394 10 2014-2018 2 90 R = 0.8615 9.5

% 85 9 80 y = -0.1697x +12.511 uS/cm Above 75% is 8.5 2 75 R = 0.8209 ideal for life 70 8

65 7.5

60 7 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Temperature (C) GF-3 Cold Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2003 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Conductivity by Month Freedom volunteers sample this site 140 Parameter Rating Explanation 120 Low variability; no significant 100 pH Stable trends 80

Low variability; no significant uS/cm 60

Turbidity Stable trends 40 Low variability; no significant 20 Total P* Stable trends 0 *Data available only through 2018 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2% Saturation 120 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 15 110 14 2014-2018 100 y = -0.2833x +13.961 13 R2 = 0.9961 90 12 % 11 80 uS/cm y = -0.2833x +13.961 10 Above 75% is R2 = 0.9961 70 ideal for life 9 2019 60 8

7 50 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Temperature (C) GF-3 Cold Brook 2014-2018 snapshot Monitored since 2003

Chloride Sodium Sodium and Chloride Levels 25

Parameter 2014-2018 Evaluation 15 Ammonium Stable mg/L Nitrate Stable 10

Total dissolved nitrogen Stable 5 Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable 0 Chloride Highest levels in 5 years 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Sodium Highest levels in 5 years DOC Stable Sulfate Stable PO4 levels 2014-2018 Magnesium Stable 30

Orthophosphate Approaching nuisance levels (last 4/5 years) 25

2019 data not currently available 20

15 ug/L

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 OL-14u West Branch Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2009 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Conductivity by Month 200 Holderness volunteer samples this site 180 Parameter Rating Explanation 160 140 Low variability; no significant 120 pH Stable trends 100 Low variability; no significant uS/cm 80 Turbidity Stable trends 60 40 Total P* Worsening Highest level in 5 years 20 *Data available only through 2018 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105

100 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 14 95 13 90 y = -0.3366x +13.472 12 2 85 R = 0.9364

% 11 2014-2018 80 10 75 mg/L Above 75% is 9 y = -0.2859x +12.634 70 2019 ideal for life 8 R2 = 0.9492 65 7 60 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 6 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 Temperature (C) OL-14u West Branch 2014-2018 snapshot Monitored since 2009

Parameter 2013-2018 Evaluation NH4 levels 2014-2018 Ammonium Lowest level in 5 years 30 Nitrate Stable 25 Total dissolved nitrogen Stable 20 Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Chloride Stable 15 ug/L

Sodium Stable 10 DOC Stable Sulfate Stable 5

Magnesium Stable 0 Orthophosphate Stable 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 data not currently available What is cyanobacteria? • Bacteria that has the ability to photosynthesize, which is where the blue- green coloring comes from • Unique pigment called phycocyanin • Also contains chlorophyll (green) and phycoerythrin (red) • Also known as “blue green algae”, despite it not being an algae, and not always being blue green. • Coloring depends on lighting, amount of bacteria, refracting elements, and the ratio of pigments

• Believed to be one of the first organisms that could produce oxygen • Cyanobacteria is typically present in aquatic environments, and at low growths is normal.

Cyanobacteria blooms, aka Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) Dolichospermum bloom on Danforth Bay August 2019

GMCG responded to about 6 calls from Danforth Lake residents during the summer of 2019. Inaturalist.com Madison Water Quality Overview Jill Emerson Water Quality Coordinator Green Mountain Conservation Group RIVERS parameters GMCG volunteers tested parameters

Each site we monitor will have naturally occurring differences due to geology, plant life, etc.

*The EPA and NHDES have slight differences between their acceptable limits GM-1 Banfield Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Conductivity by Month 300 Madison volunteer + GMCG staff sample this site 250

Parameter Rating Explanation 200

Low variability; no significant 150

pH Stable trends uS/cm Low variability; no significant 100 Turbidity Stable trends 50

Total P* Improving Lowest value seen in 5 years 0 *Data available only through 2018 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2014-2018 2019 Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 14 95 2019 13 90 y = -0.2942x +13.92 12 R2 = 0.9977 85 11 % y = -0.2801x +13.569 80 2 10 R = 0.9833

Above 75% is mg/L 75 2014-2018 ideal for life 9 70 8 65 7 60 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 6 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Temperature (C) GM-1 Banfield Brook 2014-2018 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Chloride and Sodium Levels Chloride Sodium 60.00

Parameter 2014-2018 Evaluation 50.00

Ammonium Stable 40.00 Nitrate Stable 30.00 Total dissolved nitrogen Stable mg/L 20.00 Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Chloride Increasing trend 10.00 Sodium Increasing trend 0.00 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 DOC Stable Sulfate Stable

Magnesium Stable PO4 levels 2014-2018 Orthophosphate Highest levels in 5 years 50 45 40 35 30 25 ug/L 20 15 Above nuisance levels 10 5 0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 GM-2 Pequawket Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2003 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 GMCG staff sample this site Conductivity by Month 200 180 160 Parameter Rating Explanation 140 pH Decreasing Approaching lower ideal limit 120 100

Low variability; no significant uS/cm 80 Turbidity Stable trends 60 Low variability; no significant 40 20 Total P* Stable trends 0 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 10

90 9 2019 y = -0.2056x +11.092 R2 = 0.9178 80 8

70 Above 75% is ideal for life 7 y = -0.1802x +10.313 % mg/L R2 = 0.7717 60 6 2014-2018 50 5 40 4 30 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GM-3 Forrest Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2004 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Madison volunteers sample this site Conductivity by Month 120 Parameter Rating Explanation 100 Low variability; no significant 80 pH Stable trends 60 Low variability; no significant Turbidity Stable trends 40 Highest value seen in 5 years 20

Total P* Worsening but below DES standards 0 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 11

95 10.5 2014-2018 y = -0.2542x +12.698 90 10 R2 = 0.9811 85 9.5

% 9

80 mg/L Above 75% is 8.5 y = -0.2595x +12.791 75 R2 = 0.9884 ideal for life 8 70 7.5 2019 65 7 60 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GM-4 Ferrin Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Madison volunteer and GMCG staff sample this site Conductivity by Month 180 160 Parameter Rating Explanation 140 Low variability; no significant 120 pH Stable trends 100 80 Low variability; no significant uS/cm Turbidity Stable trends 60 Highest value seen in 5 years 40 Total P* Worsening but below DES standards 20 0 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 120 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 11

100 10.5 2014-2018 y = -0.1929x +12.447 80 Above 75% is 10 R2 = 0.9007 ideal for life

% 60 9.5 mg/L y = -0.2091x +12.543 2019 2 40 9 R = 0.75

20 8.5

0 8 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 Temperature (C) GM-5 Mill Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Madison volunteer and GMCG staff sample this site Conductivity by Month 90 Parameter Rating Explanation 85 Low variability; no significant 80 pH Stable trends 75 Low variability; no significant 70 uS/cm Turbidity Stable trends 65

Highest value seen in 5 years 60

Total P* Worsening but below DES standards 55

*Data available only through 2018 50 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 2014-2018 2019 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 10.5 10 y = -0.1773x +12.108 95 2 9.5 R = 0.8987 2014-2018 9 90 2019

% 8.5 85 mg/L 8 y = -0.2466x +13.309 7.5 80 R2 = 0.8787 Above 75% is 7 75 ideal for life 6.5 6 70 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Temperature (C) Ossipee Water Quality Overview Jill Emerson Water Quality Coordinator Green Mountain Conservation Group RIVERS parameters GMCG volunteers tested parameters

Each site we monitor will have naturally occurring differences due to geology, plant life, etc.

*The EPA and NHDES have slight differences between their acceptable limits OL-4u Lovell Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Tamworth volunteers monitor this site Conductivity by Month 30 Parameter Rating Explanation Low variability; no significant 25 pH Stable trends 20

Low variability; no significant 15

Turbidity Stable trends uS/cm Moderate variability; no 10 Total P* Stable significant trends 5

*Data available only through 2018 0 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 12 2019 95 11.5 y = -0.2449x +13.558 90 11 R2 = 0.9765 85 10.5 % 80 10 2014-2018 mg/L 75 Above 75% is 9.5 y = -0.2581x +13.655 ideal for life 2 70 9 R = 0.9845

65 8.5 8 60 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 Temperature (C) OL-6u Pine River Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Tamworth volunteers monitor this site Conductivity by Month 120

Parameter Rating Explanation 100 Low variability; no significant pH Stable trends 80 Low variability; no significant 60 Turbidity Stable trends uS/cm 40 Moderate variability; no Total P* Stable significant trends 20

*Data available only through 2018 0 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019 Dissolved O2 % Saturation 100 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 10 90 9.5 2019 9 y = -0.2425x + 11.767 R2 = 0.6396 80 8.5 Above 75% is 8 ideal for life % 70 7.5

mg/L 2014-2018 7 60 6.5 y = -0.2074x + 10.876 R2 = 0.8677 6 50 5.5 5 40 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) OL-7 Red Brook coming out of Heath Bog Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2009 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2 Ossipee & Freedom volunteers sample this site Conductivity by Month 100 Parameter Rating Explanation 90 pH Low Moderate variability 80 Low variability; no significant 70 60 Turbidity Stable trends 50

Total P* High Moderate variability uS/cm 40 30 *Data available only through 2018 20 10 0 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 120 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 8

100 2014-2018 y = -0.2908x + 9.6437 7 R2 = 0.9189

80 6 Above 75% is

% 60 ideal for life 5 mg/L

40 4

20 3 y = -0.2038x + 7.4543 R2 = 0.1913 2019 0 2 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 Temperature (C) OL-2 Bearcamp River Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Site is only monitored during the summer camp programs

Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Campers from Calumet monitor this site Conductivity by Month Parameter Rating Explanation 80 70 Low variability; no significant 60 pH Stable trends 50 Low variability; no significant 40 uS/cm 30 Turbidity Stable trends 20 Moderate variability; no 10 Total P* Stable significant trends 0 Jun Jul Aug Sep *Data available only through 2018 2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 12 100 y = -0.1775x + 11.583 95 11 R2 = 0.9408 90 10 85 2014-2018 % 80 9 Above 75% is mg/L 75 ideal for life 8 70

65 7 y = -0.195x + 11.883 60 R2 = 0.8891 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 6 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Temperature (C) GO-1 Beech River Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved O2 Ossipee volunteers monitor this site Conductivity by Month 70

Parameter Rating Explanation 50

Low variability; no significant 40 pH Stable trends

uS/cm 30 Low variability; no significant Turbidity Stable trends 20 Moderate variability; no 10 Total P* Stable significant trends 0 *Data available only through 2018 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 100 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 11 2014-2018 95 10.5 y = -0.2002x + 12.244 2 10 R = 0.8986 90 9.5

% 85 mg/L 2019 8.5 80 Above 75% is 8 ideal for life 7.5 y = -0.1564x + 11.386 75 R2 = 0.5168 7 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 70 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GO-2 Frenchman Brook Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Conductivity by Month 400 Ossipee volunteers sample this site 350 Parameter Rating Explanation 300 Low variability; no significant 250 pH Stable trends 200 Low variability; no significant uS/cm 150 Turbidity Stable trends 100 Moderate variability; no 50 Total P* Stable significant trends 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec *Data available only through 2018 2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 15 14 y = -0.3007x + 13.979 95 2 13 R = 0.9815

12 90 2019 11 2014-2018 %

85 mg/L 10 9 y = -0.2788x + 13.704 80 Above 75% is 8 R2 = 0.9896 75 ideal for life 7 6 70 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GO-2 Frenchman Brook 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002

Parameter 2014-2018 evaluation Ammonium Stable Nitrate Stable Total dissolved nitrogen Stable Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Chloride Stable Sodium Stable DOC Stable 2019 data currently unavailable GO-5 Bearcamp River Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Conductivity by Month Tamworth volunteers sample this site 60

Parameter Rating Explanation 50 Low variability; no significant 40

pH Stable trends 30

Low variability; no significant uS/cm 20 Turbidity Stable trends Total P* Worsening Highest level in 5 years 10 *Data available only through 2018 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs Dissolved O2 100 16

95 14 2019 y = -0.2926x + 13.492 90 12 R2 = 0.995

85 10 2014-2018 % 8 80 Above 75% is mg/L 6 75 ideal for life y = -0.2856x + 13.161 4 2 70 R = 0.9744 2 65 0 60 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GO-5 Bearcamp River 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Nitrate 0.16

0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08 mg/L 0.06 Parameter 2014-2018 evaluation 0.04 Ammonium Stable 0.02 0 Nitrate Lowest level in 5 years 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total dissolved nitrogen Lowest level in 5 years Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Total Dissolved Nitrogen Chloride Stable 0.35 Sodium Stable 0.3 DOC Stable 0.25 2019 data currently unavailable 0.2

mg/L 0.15

0.1

0.05

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 GO-7 Ossipee Outflow Site location 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Ossipee & Freedom volunteers sample this site Conductivity by Month 70 Parameter Rating Explanation 60 Low variability; no significant pH Stable trends 50 Low variability; no significant 40

Turbidity Stable trends uS/cm 30 Moderate variability; no 20 Total P* Stable significant trends 10

0 *Data available only through 2018 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2014-2018 2019 Dissolved O2 % Saturation 120 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 14 110 y = -0.1979x + 12.735 100 13 2014-2018 R2 = 0.9888 90 12

80 11 Above 75% is 2019

% 70 10

ideal for life mg/L 60 9 y = -0.2072x + 12.746 50 8 R2 = 0.9871 40 7 30 6 20 0 5 10 15 20 25 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GO-7 Ossipee Outflow 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2013 Ammonium and Nitrate Levels 70

ug/L 30 Parameter 2014-2018 evaluation 20 10 Ammonium Improving the last 5 years 0 Nitrate Improving the last 5 years 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Total dissolved nitrogen Improving the last 5 years Ammonium Nitrate Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Chloride Stable TDN Sodium Stable 0.4

DOC Stable 0.35 2019 data currently unavailable 0.3 0.25

0.2 mg/L 0.15

0.1

0.05

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 What is cyanobacteria? • Bacteria that has the ability to photosynthesize, which is where the blue- green coloring comes from • Unique pigment called phycocyanin • Also contains chlorophyll (green) and phycoerythrin (red) • Also known as “blue green algae”, despite it not being an algae, and not always being blue green. • Coloring depends on lighting, amount of bacteria, refracting elements, and the ratio of pigments

• Believed to be one of the first organisms that could produce oxygen • Cyanobacteria is typically present in aquatic environments, and at low growths is normal.

Cyanobacteria blooms, aka Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) Dolichospermum bloom on Danforth Bay August 2019

GMCG responded to about 2 calls from Ossipee Broad Bay residents during the summer of 2019 – both were false alarms for Spirogyra (water silk).

Inaturalist.com Sandwich Water Quality Summary • For the one (1) site tested at Cold River, Sandwich’s water quality overall is good. All parameters tested fall within accepted NH and/or EPA standards for surface waters. However, we understand that we have a limited data set, with only one site in Sandwich, to base this off of.

Things that Sandwich do to help protect their water quality: 1) Encourage residents to get their septic systems checked 2) Continue to perform monitoring on lakes/ponds in Sandwich -Either from LL program (UNH) or VLAP program (NHDES) 3) Reduce salt usage in roadways, especially those near or around bodies of water 4) Maintain riparian habitats around bodies of water 5) Use best management practices (BMPs) for any home/business on or near surface waters 6) Monitor the effectiveness of culverts in your town and replace those that need them

Report respectfully submitted by J. Emerson, Water Quality Coordinator at GMCG Water Quality Parameters: what are we testing for?

Parameter Acceptable Limits Dissolved Oxygen Above 75% saturation; between 6-12mg/L* Temperature No standard Turbidity 10 NTUs or lower; preferably in the 1 NTU range*

Conductivity Below 500uS/cm in rural areas; 1500uS/cm in urban areas** Total Phosphorus Below 30ug/L** pH Between 6.5-8; usually around 6.5 unless naturally lower*

*NH Rev Stat § 485-A:8 (2016) Standards for Classification of Surface Waters of the State **EPA recommendations GS-1 Cold River 2014-2019 Snapshot Monitored since 2002 Conductivity by Month 35

Parameter Rating Explanation 25

pH Stable Low variability; no significant trends 20 Turbidity Stable Low variability; no significant trends

uS/cm 15 Total P* Stable Low variability; no significant trends Site location 10

*Data available only through 2018 5

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 15 14 95 2014-2018 13 y = -0.2965 + 14.161 90 12 R2 = 0.9776

% 11 85

mg/L 10 2019

80 9 Above 75% is 8 y = -0.2909 + 13.849 75 2 ideal for life 7 R = 0.9975 70 6 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Temperature (C) GS-1 Cold River 2014-2019 Snapshot Monitored since 2002 Site volunteers

Parameter 2014-2018 Evaluation Ammonium Stable; below detection limits Nitrate Stable Total dissolved nitrogen Stable Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Chloride Stable Sodium Stable DOC Stable 2019 data currently unavailable Tamworth Water Quality Overview Jill Emerson Water Quality Coordinator Green Mountain Conservation Group RIVERS parameters GMCG volunteers tested parameters

Each site we monitor will have naturally occurring differences due to geology, plant life, etc.

*The EPA and NHDES have slight differences between their acceptable limits Site location GT-1 Bearcamp River 2014-2019 snapshot Monitored since 2002 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2 Tamworth, Sandwich, and Wonalancet volunteers sample this site Conductivity 45

Parameter Explanation 40 pH Stable Turbidity Stable 35 /cm

Slightly worsening but still well within uS 30 Total P* acceptable limits 25 *Data available through 2018 20 May June July Aug Sept Oct

2014-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 100 10.5 2014-2018 95 10 R2 = 0.9605 90 9.5 2019 85 9 R2 = 0.9755 80 Above 75% is 8.5

% 75 ideal for life mg/L 8 70 7.5 65 7 60 6.5 55 6 50 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 Temperature (C) GT-5 Swift River 2014-2019 snapshot Site Location Monitored since 2005 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2 Tamworth and Wonalancet volunteers sample this site Conductivity 45 40 Parameter Explanation 35 pH Stable 30 Turbidity Stable 25 20 Total P* Stable uS/cm 15 *Data available through 2018 10 5 0 May June July Aug Sept Oct

2013-2018 2019

Dissolved O2 % Saturation 110 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 12.5

105 12 2014-2018 R2 = 0.9605 100 11.5 11 2019 95 10.5

% 90 mg/L 10 R2 = 0.9886 85 9.5

9 80 Above 75% is 8.5 75 ideal for life 8 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 70 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Temperature (C) GT-4 Chocorua River 2014-2019 snapshot Site location Monitored since 2004 Collecting for: pH, turbidity, TP, temperature, conductivity, dissolved O2, TN, cations, anions, silica, DOC Conductivity Tamworth volunteers sample this site 120 Parameter Explanation pH Stable 100 Turbidity Stable 80

Improving but has been under 60

Total P* acceptable limits uS/cm 40 *Data available through 2018 20

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2014-2018 2019

Dissolve O2 % Saturation 105 Temperature vs. Dissolved O2 14 100 13 95 R2 = 0.9915 12 90 2019 11 85 2

% R = 0.9822 10 80 mg/L

75 Above 75% is 9 ideal for life 70 8 2014-2018 65 7

60 6 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Temperature (C) GT-4 Chocorua River 2014-2018 snapshot Monitored since 2004

Parameter 2014-2018 Evaluation* Ammonium Improving - with exception to 2017 Nitrate Stable Total dissolved nitrogen Stable Dissolved organic nitrogen Stable Chloride Increasing Sodium Increasing DOC Stable Sulfate Stable Magnesium Stable Orthophosphate Stable *Data currently available only through 2018

Higher levels of sodium and chloride indicate an increase in road salt (rock salt) in the 2018 season. As 2019 levels of conductivity are much higher than previous years, I suspect the sodium and chloride levels of 2019 will be higher than what was seen in 2018 (data not currently available to verify). Projected school programs for 2020 GET WET: Drinking water education program. Students screen their drinking water for a variety of parameters

VBAP (fall 2020): Volunteer Biological Assessment Program. Students learn about macroinvertebrates and what they tell us about water quality. They become citizen scientist for a day following a collection protocol and then after they’ve processed their data, present it at a town presentation. GMCG programs for 2020

• Bird club (every other week – next is Jan. 21 & 22, 9-10am): Part of Cornell’s Project: FeederWatch program • Ossipee Aquifer Advisory Committee (Jan. 29th 5pm): working to protect the Ossipee Aquifer • Animal Tracking (Feb. 1 10am): Learn about NH’s winter wildlife and try your hand at identifying fresh tracks! • GET WET (Madison Town Library, Feb. 14 4-6pm): Bring a sample of your drinking water to be screened for a variety of parameters • Annual Meeting (March 14th at the Preserve in Chocorua, 1-4pm): Naturalist David Carroll is the keynote speaker