Small-scale Stormwater

Protecting Newfound Lake Starts at Home

Stormwater runoff is the largest threat to Newfound Lake’s water quality—and it begins on our own properties. Every homeowner, road association, and business in the watershed has a role to play.

NLRA’s Small-Scale Stormwater Program helps you reduce runoff, prevent pollution, and protect the lake right from your own backyard.

Why Stormwater Matters

The average home in the Newfound Watershed produces over 38,000 gallons of stormwater each year.

When unmanaged, this runoff:

  • Erodes soil and damages property
  • Strains roads, culverts, and infrastructure
  • Carries pollutants directly into streams, rivers, and Newfound Lake.

There most effective solution? Capture stormwater on your property and let it naturally soak into the soil, replenishing groundwater rather than driving pollution.

Here’s How We Can Help

We offer free services and resources to help you stop stormwater on your property.

Stormwater Assessment

An NLRA staff member will walk your property with you to identify problem areas and potential solutions, then follow up with practical, DIY-friendly recommendations. Contact us to schedule a storwmater assessment.

Stormwater Site Design

Ready to take the next step? An NLRA staff member will work with you to develop a customized stormwater plan to manage stormwater on your property. Your design will include clear, actionable solutions that can guide DIY projects or professional installation. This service is free for current NLRA members that have completed a stormwater site assessment.

Project Assistance

For eligible projects, NLRA can help install stormwater solutions with support from Newfound’s AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards and volunteers. You can apply for project assistance after completing a stormwater assessment. Applications are evaluated based on environmental impact, project scope, and need.

Storm Response

Are you seeing erosion from a recent storm? An NLRA staff member can visit your property to assess the situation, identify the source of the problem, and recommend an immediate course of action, as well as longer-term solutions, to stabilize the area and prevent further damage and stormwater pollution.

LakeSmart Certification

Through our partnership with NH LAKES, NLRA offers LakeSmart—a free, voluntary, non-regulatory program that recognizes property owners who live lake-friendly. After completing an online questionnaire, an evaluator will visit your property to assess how lake-friendly it is and provide recommendations for improvement. LakeSmart Online Questionnaire coming soon!

Get Started

Whether you're dealing with an active problem or planning ahead, we're here to help.

Contact:
Paul Pellissier
Conservation Program Manager
(603) 727-4337
paul@ newfoundlake.org

Five Things That You Can Do Today

Take these simple actions to help stop stormwater pollution:

  1. Redirect Downspouts. Send water to infiltration areas like rain gardens, dry wells, or rain barrels—not driveways or bare ground.
  2. Maintain a Natural Buffer. Keep a strip of vegetation (at least 25 feet wide) along shorelines and drainage areas to filter runoff.
  3. Mow Less. Longer grass means deeper roots, better water absorption, and less need for fertilizer. Keep your mower blade at 3+ inches.
  4. Use Salt Sparingly. De-icing salt builds up in the environment and harms aquatic life, even in small amounts.
  5. Maintain Your Septic System. Regular inspections and pumping prevent costly failures and protect water quality.

Learn More

Explore guides, tools, and how-to resources in NLRA's Stormwater Resource Library.

View Library