The State of the Lake

This past summer was the wettest on record, and all of us around Newfound felt the impacts of the rain. From flooding and washed out roads to far fewer beach days, 2023 took its toll. Newfound Lake felt the impacts too, with a significant drop in water clarity and increased phosphorus pollution. What does this mean for Newfound? Join us as we talk about the 2023 season and what it means for the long-term health of Newfound Lake.

Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier will explore the factors that impacted water quality in 2023, and unveil NLRA's first ever water quality targets for Newfound Lake. Newfound's future depends on the actions of the entire community. Join us to see how you can make a difference in protecting Newfound's land and water.

Overall, Newfound remains a healthy lake! Here's some detail on what we observed in 2023:

Water Clarity

How far down can we see from the water’s surface? The clarity of Newfound Lake is an important indicator of its health. Clarity is measured by lowering a black and white disk, called a Secchi disk, until it is no longer visible. The further down we can see, the better the water clarity!

Phosphorus Pollution

A healthy lake like Newfound has low amounts of phosphorus in the water. An increase in phosphorus pollution fuels the growth of plants and algae that lower water quality, and can also play a role in harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Phosphorus enters the lake when rain and snowmelt pick it up and wash it into our waterways. Healthy forests and good stormwater management practices can stop phosphorus pollution.

Explore more water quality trends at: NewfoundLake.org/water-quality.

More Upcoming NLRA Events

Visit NewfoundLake.org/events 

to register and see all upcoming events.

Newfound Lake Inn Winterfest and Polar Plunge!

Join us at the Newfound Lake Inn Winterfest on Saturday, February 24th from 11am - 3pm across from the Inn on the shores of Newfound Lake.

The Polar Plunge begins at 12:30pm.

Brave individuals are taking part in the Newfound Lake Inn’s Polar Plunge to support NLRA! Show some love for your favorite participant by making a donation towards their polar plunge:

Are you ready to take the plunge? You can still sign up at the event tomorrow with a minimum $35 donation!

A big thank you to the Newfound Lake Inn for supporting a clean and healthy lake with a Polar Plunge Fundraiser!

Leave No Trace: Frozen Lakes Edition