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News: Boyden Lake’s low water level raising concerns for residents

Water levels are incredibly complex and challenging to manage because, without a thorough understanding of a specific lake, it’s impossible to predict with certainty how a particular water level will impact water quality, aquatic vegetation, and shorelands. Compounding these ecological concerns are the social and recreational considerations, such as maintaining water levels for boating, fishing, or aesthetic preferences. Striking a balance between ecological health and human interests requires ongoing monitoring, collaboration, and adaptive management.

A recent article in The Quoddy Times (most easterly published newspaper in the US) discusses some of the concerns and issues around water level, including the uncertainty about what the water level has been. Tristan Taber, Water Quality Program Director, was interviewed relating to general conditions observed around the state near the time of publication (June 2024).

“The low water level is raising concerns not only about the impacts for those who live on the lake but also about possible effects on drinking water quality for the Passamaquoddy Water District (PWD), which serves Sipayik and Eastport.
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Tristan Taber, water quality program director for Lake Stewards of Maine, says there have been a few reports of lakes having low water levels in different areas of the state, but others have adequate water. “It’s not like two years ago when there were many reports of low water levels.” He does note that since there was a great deal of rain and sleet and little snow during the winter the snow pack was lower, resulting in a shorter period when water was entering into lakes. “We expect to see a significant decreased water retention within watersheds,” he says.
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According to Taber, low water levels do not inherently cause algal blooms, but they can potentially cause sediment to become stirred up on the bottom, which can include nutrients like phosphorus. Phosphorus can stimulate excess growth of algae, causing low dissolved oxygen levels.
Noting that Boyden Lake supports different fisheries, Taber says he would be more concerned about temperature with a low water level. “There will be less cold-water habitat for cold-water fish,” such as trout and landlocked salmon.”

Read the stories on ✅ Source: Quoddy Tides