Embden Pond Association
Embden, Maine
Welcome to the Embden Pond Association Web Site. The E.P.A. is comprised of members who own property surrounding Embden Pond in Embden, Maine, and who care deeply about the pond. The organization is structured so that we may best serve our members, as well as preserve, protect and enhance the best features of the pond.
We have a beautiful pond, rated among the best in the state of Maine. It is clean, clear, cool, and a place where life long memories are created. If you come to Maine or live here, enjoy Embden Pond, and help us maintain its pristine beauty. Contact us if you would like to join the E.P.A., we would love to have you as a member.
Quote: “Pristine lake waters add beauty and diversity to the landscape and provide recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. These waters are one of Maine’s prime resources, and it is in our own best interests to protect them. In undisturbed whatersheds, nature purifies water flowing to lakes. When we alter watersheds to build houses and clear land, we impair natural purification processes. Moreover, as the number of people living in each watershed increases, the number of contaminants in the watershed increases. Consequently, we must all assume responsibility for maintaining water quality by breaking old habits and taking positive actions which will limit the amount of phosphorus and other contaminants which reaches the lake.”
“A watershed consists of all the land which contributes water to a specific body of water. To outline watershed bounderies, connect the points of highest elevation around a lake on a topographic map. Water falling within this bowl flows by gravity, in streams and groundwater, to the lake. Any substance within the watershed which can be transported by water eventually reaches the lake and affects water quality. Past lake protection efforts have focused on shoreline land use, perhaps mistakenly creating the impression that only activities along the shore influence water quality. In truth, land use anywhere within the lake’s watershed affects lake health.”
“The primary influence on water quality in Maine lakes today is phosphorus. Phosphorus is a fertilizer. It promotes plant growth in lakes, just as it does in home gardens. In lakes, however, the crop is algae, rather than garden vegetables. Every lake can utilize a specific amount of phosphorus without experiencing a significant change in water quality. However, if the amount of phosphorus entering a lake increases above the baseline and remains high over time, the lake will eventually become over-fertilized and produce excessive amounts of algae. Algae blooms turn water green, reduce water transparency, deplete the oxygen supply, and smell terrible. Ultimately, these blooms alter wildlife habitat, impair views, reduce recreational appeal, and lower property values.”
“The impacts of land use on water quality can be dramatically reduced if everyone cooperates. It is the cumulative effect of many people living, working, and playing in the watershed that contributes to changes in water qualtity over time. Consequently, only by changing or breaking old habits can we lesson our impact on water quality, by learning to live in a more equal partnership with nature and her resources.” …end Quote
Above Quotes taken from “For Your Lakes Sake”, a brochure produce with funds provided by a challenge grant to the York County Soil and Water Conservation Division and by a grant, administered under Sec. 205 j of the Clean Water Act, from Maine DEP to the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission. For more information on water quality protection, contact the Lakes Division of Maine DEP, (289-3901).