Damariscotta Lake Watch - Midcoast Conservancy

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Damariscotta Lake Watch - Midcoast Conservancy

Midcoast Conservancy's Damariscotta Lake Team. Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Damariscotta Lake

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03/31/2026

🚤 We're Hiring! Join Our Team This Summer 🌿

Midcoast Conservancy is hiring seasonal Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBI) to staff the public boat launches on Damariscotta Lake. As a CBI, staff and volunteers provide voluntary boat inspections and spread the word about how small actions can make a big impact on the ecosystem health of Maine’s Lakes. Our CBI program is the first line of defense in our invasive aquatic species prevention program. By providing friendly boat inspections, CBIs share simple strategies for protecting Damariscotta Lake. This helps ensure that when the launches are not staffed, recreators remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boats between waters.

✅ Seasonal & part-time hours
✅ Perfect for outdoor lovers who enjoy connecting with people (Maybe you'll see some cool wildlife too!)
✅ Be part of something that truly makes a difference

Remember: Clean. Drain. Dry. And help us spread the word! 💧

Interested? Reach out to Patricia Nease ([email protected]) for more information and to apply. 👇

08/29/2025

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!! Hope you’ve got some great plans for the holiday weekend. This is our last week of bacteria results for the year, but we’re around all year!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 11
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 8.5
Davis Stream: 37.3
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 24.6
The Narrows: 12.2
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 12.2
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

08/22/2025

Did you know that squirrels can swim 🏊🏻?? On a calm morning this past week I saw this little guy swimming across the lake! The squirrel then hopped out on the bank to dry off!! Have you ever seen a swimming squirrel?? Another week of great bacteria results!! The weather is reminding us that Fall 🍂 is near, but Summer isn't over yet! Come join us on August 28th for the 4th annual State of the Lake on August 28th as a celebration of another great year on the lake!! More information at midcoastconservancy.org/events!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 23
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 12.2
Davis Stream: 18.5
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 13.1
The Narrows: 41.4
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 9.8
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

08/15/2025

Wow!! 🤩 it’s the fourth week in a row that all our results are below the beach action value!! And so far the lake has looked pretty clear this year! There’s a lot to celebrate! If you want to keep the celebration going 🥳 join us on August 28th for the 4th annual State of the Lake on August 28th! More information at midcoastconservancy.org/events!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 19.7
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 12.2
Davis Stream: 21.3
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 96.0
The Narrows: 23.3
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 20.1
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

08/08/2025

What a beautiful stretch of weather we have on the horizon! And the bacteria results look great again this week!! We're getting ready for our biggest volunteer effort of the year on Damariscotta lake, our Invasive Plant Patrol 🌿! Volunteers are assigned a small section of shoreline near them to survey for invasive aquatic plants. The time commitment is low and we train all volunteers! Get in touch if you're interested in getting involved!!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 31.7
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 14.4
Davis Stream: 27.5
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 36.4
The Narrows: 15.6
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 18.9
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

08/01/2025

It’s August!! Summer is in full swing on Damariscotta Lake and I hope you’re getting out there and enjoying this gem in the Midcoast! Bacteria results look great again today, but keep in mind that rainfall can impact bacteria levels.
Lastly, August brings to mind our annual State of the Lake event! State of the Lake is August 28th from 4-6pm at Wavus Camps in Jefferson! We’ll have door prizes this year and a guest speaker from the lakes division of Maine Department of Environmental Protection! Join us for this fun celebration of Damariscotta Lake!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 28.5
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 39.3
Davis Stream: 44.8
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 31.5
The Narrows: 129.6
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 10.9
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

07/25/2025

It's a beautiful day to be on Damariscotta Lake ☀! And our bacteria results look great this week! I want to give a shout out to our amazing volunteer team who help out with our monitoring program on Damariscotta Lake. They're a vital part of our ability to provide this information to you! If you're interested in volunteering please let me know!

Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 17.1
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 17.7
Davis Stream: 26.1
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 139.6
The Narrows: 71.4
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 20.6
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

07/18/2025

It's Friday once again 😎! We've got updated results for you, and the State Park numbers are above the EPA beach action value again. Though the Maine Healthy Beaches program monitors our coastal beaches and not inland waters like Damariscotta Lake, they have some great resources about how to protect water quality for beachgoers ⛱! Many of the principles they recommend are important for lakes too! Have a great weekend ☀🕶!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
Site above EPA BAV:
❌ Damariscotta Lake State Park
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 8.5
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 22.8
Davis Stream: 60.9
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 1553.1
The Narrows: 42.5
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 30.5
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

07/16/2025

The Maine Audubon's 42nd annual Loon Count event is happening this Saturday morning on lakes across the state. Volunteers count adult loons and their chicks on the third Saturday in July each year to assess the population across the state and on individual lakes. The Loon Count provides a great reminder that Damariscotta Lake is home to many kinds of families, including the loons. To protect these iconic families and the lake shoreline please maintain headway (no-wake) speed within 200 feet from shore!
This photo was taken by lake resident Duane Lowe .photo using a 400 mm lens on a full frame camera so he's able to crop the photos for an up close look! Please give loons a wide berth and know the signs of when give loons more space. Check out for more info on loons and the Loon Count!

07/11/2025

Today's results are worth smiling about!! The weather isn't quite as exciting, but I hope you've got some plans to get outside!! We're also back to our regular schedule with sample collection on Thursday morning and results on Friday.
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Damariscotta Lake State Park
✅ Davis Stream
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 16.3
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 18.5
Davis Stream: 47.1
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 49.6
The Narrows: 31.3
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 14.6
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

07/03/2025

Happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸! The weather looks great for a weekend on Damariscotta Lake!! Bacteria results are in for this week a day early so we're all set for the long weekend! There's been some talk of waterfowl p**p at the State Park and I've been in touch with the manager there. As a reminder, don't feed wildlife as it can encourage them to keep returning to the same area! Have an awesome holiday weekend!!
Sites below EPA BAV:
✅ Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills)
✅ Bunker Hill Boat Launch
✅ Davis Stream
✅ The Narrows
✅ Vannah Road Boat Launch
Site above EPA BAV:
❌ Damariscotta Lake State Park
This Week’s Results (the US EPA’s recommended freshwater Beach Action Value is 190 MPN/100mL for E. coli in Freshwater):
Ice House Park (Damariscotta Mills): 18.3
Bunker Hill Boat Launch: 10.8
Davis Stream: 56.1
Damariscotta Lake State Park: 770.1
The Narrows: 29.2
Vannah Road Boat Launch: 47.3
**Results represent conditions at a certain place and time and are subject to change, especially with rainfall.
**There are always inherent risks associated with open water swimming and we recommend following these best practices: avoid inadvertently swallowing lake water, avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, do not swim if you are ill, shower before and after swimming, wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and clean up pet waste within the shoreland area.
**Not all sites are public swimming areas, but we attempt to represent a large portion of Damariscotta lake.

Address

25 Friendship Road
Waldoboro, ME
04572

Website

http://midcoastconservancy.org/

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