The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.
As cyanobacteria blooms become more frequent in New Hampshire, communities around Lake Winnipesaukee are stepping up—and the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance (LWA) is helping lead the charge.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance (LWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed now and for the future. Using education and science, we're relentless in our pursuit of the best policies and practices to ensure a healthy, vibrant Lake for residents, business owners, and visitors, today and for generations to come.
Local cyanobacteria committees are forming in towns across the region, empowering volunteers, expanding monitoring, and raising awareness. These efforts align with the state’s Cyanobacteria Plan, which emphasizes education and early detection to reduce health risks.
In 2024, Moultonborough launched its Cyanobacteria Committee through the Conservation Commission. A key project is the Cyanobacteria Watcher Program, which trains residents to spot and report potential blooms. Volunteers from Lake Kanasatka, Lee’s Pond, and Lake Winnipesaukee are now actively contributing, supported by NHDES and LWA. The committee also hosted two public presentations—now available on LWA’s YouTube channel.
Meredith followed in 2025, establishing its own committee and Watcher Program. With members from the town, Windy Waters, the Waukewan Watershed Advisory Committee, and LWA, the group is bringing new energy and coordination to the increasing threat of cyanobacteria.
Meanwhile, Wolfeboro Waters has been actively promoting water quality education and community action since 2019.
Appointed by the Town of Wolfeboro, the committee addresses a range of water concerns with LWA providing scientific support and regional coordination.
Cyanobacteria blooms threaten more than just lake ecology—they impact recreation, tourism, and our local economy. These grassroots initiatives are boosting detection, speeding up response times, and building a stronger culture of lake stewardship.
Cyanobacteria blooms threaten more than just lake ecology, they impact recreation, tourism, and our local economy. These grassroots initiatives are boosting detection, speeding up response times, and building a stronger culture of lake stewardship. Collaboration between municipal leaders and regional nonprofits has become an essential part of this work. Joanne Haight, Chair of the Select Board in Sandwich, Director of Development and outreach for LWA, and Secretary of the New Hampshire Municipal Association, exemplifies the role of a dedicated lake ally, bringing local knowledge and watershed-wide initiatives across municipal boundaries.