Document Type
Report
Study Date
2002
Abstract
The Webber Pond watershed was chosen as our study site. It is a characteristic New England lake located in Vassalboro, Maine. Webber Pond is a popular site for recreation and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Like all other lakes in Maine, it is a young lake. However, intensive human activity in the watershed contributes a substantial amount of nutrients and the lake has algal blooms anually in the summer months.
The purpose of this study was to asses the impact of land use and development on the water quality of Webber Pond. Physical and chemical parameters of the lake were evaluated in order to determine both the current water quality and trends in water quality over the years. The current land use patterns were also examined and categorized with respect oth their effect on water quality. Development within the watershed was evaluated through the assessment of residences, septic systems and roads. The water budget and flushing rate for Webber Pond were also calculated, as well as the septic suitability and erosion potential of the soils in the Watershed. The results of the various test and evaluations were used to develop a phosphorus model, which was used to predict present and future phosphorus loading. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to generate models of land use and soil characteristics in the Webber Pond watershed. These models were used to predict future impacts on human activities in the watershed in lake water quality. The findings from the lake and watershed analysis can be used to make recommendations regarding the health of Webber Pond. Water quality and land use assessment in this study was conducted by the Colby Environmental Assessment Team during the summer and fall of 2002.
Recommended Citation
Problems in Environmental Science course (Biology 493), Colby College and Colby Environmental Assessment Team, Colby College, "Land Use Patterns in Relation to Lake Water Quality in the Webber Pond Watershed" (2002). Colby College Watershed Study: Webber Pond (2002). 2.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/webberpond/2
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
Find or request paper copy from Colby College Libraries.
Publication date: Spring 2003
Study date: June through December 2002