Rain and Lakefront Properties

The pitter-patter of rain drops on the roof has long been a sound that can soothe our minds. Picture a cool summer morning, maybe on the porch, a warm cup of coffee, a good book, the view of the lake and that lovely sound.

Rain falling on land does more than just wet the ground. Rain drops vary can vary in size from extremely tiny (0.5mm) mist-like droplets to the biggest drops 5mm in diameter. And as you might expect the larger raindrops tend to fall faster. Rain can fall from anywhere between nearly still and about 20 mph, with most drops coming down somewhere in the middle of that range. While this may not seem very fast for something falling from the sky speeds like this at the small scale of a raindrop can have quite an impact on the ground they strike. This physical impact of rain on ground can have a dramatic ecological impact on the water quality, therefore affecting lakeside homeowners.

When a rain drop strikes the ground, small particles can be dislodged. Once dislodged it is easy for these particles to be transported downhill by moving water. This is essentially erosion and the first step in the process of run-off. Bigger and faster drops can stir up more particles. If may seem that there is nothing you can do to control the size of rain drops but that isn’t true. A land owner can reduce the size and speed of rain drops falling on his lake front property by allowing trees, shrubs and other land cover to break up and slow down the drops as they fall. If you have ever walked in the woods on a rainy day you have experienced this exact process as you walk through more of a mist when under the cover of a forest canopy.

The other factor that determines the amount of particles stirred up by falling rain is the ground itself. When rain hits dirt, the drops directly strike and loosed sediments. This is the worst possible scenario. Extensive erosion and run-off can occur very quickly where there is exposed soil. Dirt driveways and lake roads can contribute significantly to lakeside run-off. On the other hand, when rain falls on typical forest litter or duff- the accumulated leaves and sticks normally found on the forest floor, drops are again broken and slowed before they strike soil. This gives time for the water to soak into the ground, preventing run-off. Lawns, even with the most lush grass, offer little protection. While the grass blades may slow some rain down, there is no duff layer to allow water to soak in. Rain can begin to run-off grassy lawns very quickly. And when it does, the rain will often carry whatever fertilizers may have been applied.

Here are some things lakefront property owners can do to reduce run-off from their properties.

• Maintain as much of the natural forest cover as possible.
• Minimize raking to maintain the natural forest floor.
• If you must have a lawn, skip fertilizing all together or use a phosphate free organic fertilizer approved from lake front application.
• Eliminate direct paths to the water. Not only will this slow run-off but a curving path can add beauty to your landscape!
• Maintain a minimum six foot buffer zone at the water’s edge.
• Other lakefront home friendly landscaping practices

As lakeside home owners our property values and the life value of our lakeside homes is directly linked to our water quality. Protecting our shared resource benefits us all. For more information on how you can green your landscape and help to protect water quality give Joy a call (603-356-7200) or send an email. As a Conway Lake Homeowner and member of New Hampshire Lakes Association Joy can point you towards the most up to date information on water quality in the Mount Washington Valley.