Update on plans for improving water quality on Webber Pond

Webber Pond.

Watershed survey planned for May 15 – 17

submitted by Susan Traylor
Webber Pond Association, Chairman of the Water Quality Committee

Given worsening water quality in recent years that has resulted in nuisance algal blooms (including harmful cyanobacteria), in 2024 a group of local community volunteers sought and obtained state and federal grants, along with support from the towns of Vassalboro and Windsor, the China Region Lakes Alliance, the Sage Foundation, and Lake Stewards of Maine/Maine Lakes to develop an updated Watershed Based Management Plan (WBMP) for Webber, Three mile and Three cornered ponds. This “Tri-WBMP” will include a 10-year “Action Plan” to help restore water quality in all three ponds.

A WBMP is an important planning tool for restoring water quality in lakes that don’t meet state/federal water quality standards. Webber Pond and Threemile Pond are listed as “impaired lakes” because they don’t meet state standards, while upstream Threecornered Pond is listed as “threatened” based on available water quality data. The previous WBMP for these interconnected ponds expired in 2015. We need an updated WBMP to request state and federal funding for restoration efforts. Water and sediment sampling and analysis are underway to update our understanding of the cause of the recent water quality declines, and to assist with developing science-based recommendations to restore (Webber and Three mile) and to protect (Three cornered) water quality.

In addition to sampling, a watershed survey will be completed this spring on all 3 ponds to identify areas where polluted stormwater runoff (primarily soil erosion) is resulting in excess phosphorus in the ponds. Excess phosphorus is the primary cause for severe algae and cyanobacteria blooms.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the watershed survey planned for May 15-17, 2025. We will be providing more information for potential volunteers in the next couple of weeks. The survey is non-regulatory and participation is voluntary. Landowners do not need to be present for the survey, but they are welcome to participate and ask questions.

With the help of a team of experts, the data collected will be analyzed and used to develop a list of recommendations and estimated costs for improving water quality over the next 10 years. The Tri-WBMP should be completed by late 2026/early 2027. Approval of the plan will allow local project partners to seek additional state and federal funding to implement recommendations. The ultimate goal is to improve water quality, prevent toxic algae blooms and enhance recreational use of the ponds, with benefits to property values and the local economy.

 
 

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