Water Testing
Coordinators: Jeff Putnam and Karyn Kaminski kkcycler@gmail.com
Volunteer water samplers support the environmental monitoring efforts of the NH Department of Environmental Services (NH DES). By sampling the lake several times each year over a period of years, the LWPA is able to help collect data about long term water quality trends. Sampling includes the streams that flow into Lake Warren and its watershed. Volunteers help us detect water quality changes, allowing NH DES to trace potential problems to their source before the quality of the lake is severely impacted.
Jeff and Karyn collect monthly samples in June, July, and August, with the help of the Dowlings. Water samples are collected from the "deep spot" near the island using the kemerer bottle to test for overall water quality (chlorophyll, water color, phosphorus, pH, conductivity, chloride etc.), the plankton collector (phytoplankton/algae) , and the secchi disc (water clarity/transparency). The tributary samples are collected after the lake samples. Approximately 7-8 tributaries are tested at various inlets around the lake (Dam, Pickerel Cove, Spruce River, Smith Brook, Carmen Cove, Coleburn Cove, and Arbor Way). While we historically test for e.coli as well, the lab in Concord is no longer running that test. Even when we have tested positive for e.coli in the past, we don’t have the authority to close the water to the public (only the State does), and it usually dissipates quickly. Once samples are collected they are refrigerated and need to be delivered to NH DES in Concord within 24 hours of collection and scheduling for delivery to Concord is required. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to receive the testing results from NH DES.
If you’re interested in volunteering for this program, or any other, please complete our Volunteer Form!