The exposed shoreline on Lake Auburn is seen Thursday afternoon along Lake Shore Drive. Watershed Manager Danielle Olsen said despite lower than average water levels and hot temperatures, water quality has remained solid. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

AUBURN — Despite water levels roughly 4 feet below average and some of the warmest temperatures on record, the water quality at Lake Auburn is solid, according to new Watershed Manager Danielle Olsen.

Olsen, who came on board in the fall, said a lack of rainfall along with hot temperatures that cause water to evaporate more quickly are the cause of the low lake elevation. And, the average lake temperature of about 53 degrees is on track to be one of the warmest over the past decade, she said.

However, the water has remained stable and within all the acceptable limits that Olsen and her staff monitor. She said the lack of rainfall and particularly larger rainstorms during the fall hurricane season have likely helped maintain low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus — nutrients that often come with stormwater runoff and contribute to algal blooms.

Olsen said her team continually monitors the water, but they’re also thinking ahead as the lake continues to warm.

“Unfortunately, lake elevation and temperature will continue to be affected by climate impacts out of our control,” she wrote in the most recent watershed newsletter. “This makes it more vital than ever to work with our neighbors throughout the watershed to focus protection efforts around minimizing phosphorous inputs into Lake Auburn and increase awareness of maintaining low nutrient runoff into the lake to help preserve its quality.”

In 2024, Lake Auburn set two records — marking both the earliest ice-out and least amount of days with ice cover since recordkeeping began.

While some of the long-term trends may be ominous, Olsen said, “we’ve had a really great year” for water quality.

Lake Auburn, which serves as the drinking water for both Lewiston and Auburn, has been under the microscope from politicians and environmentalists over the past several years due to the changing climate and development pressures.

The exposed shoreline on Lake Auburn, seen Thursday afternoon along Lake Shore Drive, highlights the lake’s low water level. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Due to historically clean water, the cities hold a waiver from filtration, which allows the water to be delivered to customers without a costly filtration plant. However, water quality must remain pristine in order for the waiver to be maintained.

In 2023, the previous City Council in Auburn passed new rules for septic systems in the watershed, which was further refined in 2024 with a timeline for septic inspections over the next several years.

Asked Thursday, Olsen said the inspections have begun and she has recently reviewed a few septic system redesigns, which come to her for approval.

“It’s really great that we’re catching failing septic systems,” she said.

When a system fails, it not only releases nutrients like phosphorus into the watershed, but can also release harmful pathogens and potentially chemicals like PFAS.

“We encourage all community members to continue supporting efforts to protect our lake,” Olsen said in the newsletter. “Simple actions, such as reducing runoff from lawns and gardens, can make a significant difference in maintaining the health of Lake Auburn.”

While the recent cold snap is quickly producing ice, Olsen said it’s not quite “ice-in” yet at the lake. She said the lake had about 85% ice cover until the recent warm weather around Christmas, and estimated it’s back to above 75%.

“The upper watershed and the basin are buttoned up already, so we’re getting there,” she said.

Olsen, a Pennsylvania native, served as the director of watershed protection and stormwater management for a Pennsylvania entity for six years before moving to Maine and serving as the executive director of a regional land trust.