In 1991, due to the excellent quality of its’ water, Lake Auburn was exempted from the Federal and State Clean Water Act requirement that water utilities provide filtration to meet certain water quality standards. In order to maintain the waiver from filtration, one of the requirements was to establish a Watershed Commission that would be responsible for the stewardship of maintaining the water quality of Lake Auburn.

The Lake Auburn Watershed is comprised of portions of five communities; Auburn, Turner, Minot, Hebron, and Buckfield. In each community the land that falls within the Lake Auburn Watershed is the land with the highest elevations that drain water from rainfall and snowmelt into the ground or streams which eventually empty into Lake Auburn.

The health of Lake Auburn can be threatened by non-point source pollution comprised of various types of pollutants collectively known as cumulative effect. One pollutant in particular is phosphorus, a nutrient that attaches to soil particles and is transported by water runoff into the lake. Plant life in Lake Auburn’s ecosystem, such as algae, are dependent on phosphorus as part of the nutrient supply. When the normal balance of nutrients changes due to an increase in phosphorus, algae populations increase and algal blooms can result. The effects of an algal bloom on a lake can be change in color, odor, taste, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Cold water fish species, trout and salmon, can disappear due to the low dissolved oxygen in the water column.

Should the threat of increased phosphorus loading occur to a degree that filtration be required, millions of dollars would be required to build a water treatment facility, with additional sums of money required for annual operation and maintenance. Drinking water quality would be maintained according to government standards but the filtration facility would not improve the health of the lake or reduce the consequences suffered by the lake from phosphorus loading. Therefore it is important to continue with efforts to prevent phosphorus loading, maintain the current water quality, and protect the natural resource within our community.

The comment “When you point the finger of blame at someone else, you’re pointing three fingers at yourself.” illustrates the responsibility we have regarding the maintenance of water quality in all lakes and streams. Each of us contributes to the presence of phosphorus in water. It comes from vehicle exhaust, motor oil leaks, additives, road salt, garden and lawn fertilizers, failing septic systems, development, impervious surfaces, reduced vegetation, and agricultural activities.

Positive land use practices will reduce and control the amount of phosphorus that reaches Lake Auburn. Homeowners can make appropriate choices for home care and lake associations are critical in providing information and support for landowners adjacent to bodies of water. With continuing education of citizens, land use regulation, best management practices in forest harvesting and agriculture, phosphorus loading can be reduced and water quality maintained.

Thirty-three percent, 3106 acres, of Lake Auburn’s watershed consists of land in surrounding communities. Mutual cooperation among the towns and the Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission promotes positive benefits for everyone. Two sub-watersheds, Mud Pond and Little Wilson Pond, in Turner are tributaries draining into the basin entering Lake Auburn. Land use ordinances in the Comprehensive Plan for Turner require a “high protection” provision in reference to land development in the watershed. The Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association has been involved in a number of projects that improve land use and abate runoff.

Several years ago, through the use of grant money, the Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission worked with the Auburn Highway Department to install larger culverts at the Little Wilson Pond outlet. This project was significant in that a considerable amount of erosion has been prevented each year when the pond floods during spring runoff or a strong storm event occurs.

A survey of septic systems surrounding Little Wilson Pond, conducted by the Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission in cooperation with Turner’s Code Enforcement Officer, identified possible system problems and provided landowners with suggested improvements.

Several conservation easements in Hebron, Turner, and Auburn also help maintain the lake quality. Representatives for the outlying towns attend and vote at each LAWSPC meeting.

Articles and stories describe Lake Auburn as “The Jewel in the Crown.” While providing an abundant source of quality drinking water, the lake also provides recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, water for swimming pools, water for fire protection, beautiful scenic views, and tranquil sunsets. With small personal changes each of us can contribute to a “positive cumulative effect” to preserve this bountiful natural resource.

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