Watershed Wise Program Resources

This page is divided into three sections that contain resources for practices you can implement on your property that reduce or eliminate pollutants from reaching our streams, lakes and ponds. In Section 1, stormwater management and pollutant reduction resources are organized under the four property evaluation zones (scroll down). Section 2 contains water friendly actions you can practice on your landscape and Section 3 contains additional resources.

need more help?

For help deciding what type of stormwater management practice to implement, follow the steps below from the NH DES Soak up the Rain Program.

Does the soil at the proposed location of your project allow water to soak in? (If you’re not sure, click here to learn how to do a simple perc test.)

If yes, use the Infiltration Flow Chart

If no, use the Storage Conveyance Flow Chart

Need Professional Help?

Depending on the complexity of the task at hand, you may find it necessary to seek the professional services of a civil/environmental engineer or landscaper for design and/or permitting. You can locate one by typing “find civil engineer near you” or “find environmental engineer near you” or “find landscaper near you” into a web mapping service. The NH Department of Environmental Services also provides a list (not all inclusive) of prequalified consulting engineers that may be helpful. In addition, UNH provides a list of landscapers who have completed training in ecological landscaping practices for water quality protection.

Keep in mind, you need to contact the NHDES Wetlands Bureau and your Town when planning to do work within 250 feet of a lake or pond involving the movement or extraction of soils and/or plants (including trees) as a permit may be required depending on the project.

Section 1 - Property Zones

Driveway & Parking:

Resources in this zone provide ways to divert and infiltrate stormwater off impervious roadway surfaces. LSPA does not recommend pervious asphalt or concrete for homeowners due to the high maintenance required to keep it functional season after season in a northern climate. If not frequently maintained (vacuumed and pressure washed) sand and small debris can clog the open pore structure of these products over a short time period rendering them ineffective as originally designed. In addition, surface sand and debris can “fuse” with the aggregate binders found in asphalt based products during hot days reducing the porosity of the pavement.

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Buildings & Structures:

Resources in this zone provide guidance on how to properly manage your septic system and how to infiltrate stormwater off roofs, decks and other structures.

Septic System Care:

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Roof Runoff:

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Recreational Spaces:

Resources in this zone provide ways to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff and prevent erosion in recreational spaces such as walkways, pathways, lawns and maintained open spaces. Also included are yard care practices that reduce or eliminate potential pollutants from reaching downstream waterbodies.

Pathways and Patios:

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Yards and maintained open spaces: LSPA does not recommend the use of fertilizers/pesticides/herbicides especially within 100 feet of a stream or waterbody (it is a violation of the NH Shoreland Protection Act to use these products within 25 feet of the lake). No amount of fertilizers or yard chemicals improves the water quality of our waterways.

“Remember to work with nature in your yard by starting with these 5 easy steps:
1. Build and maintain healthy soil
2. Plant right for your site
3. Practice smart watering
4. Adopt a holistic approach to pest management
5. Practice natural lawn care”
— EPA Green Scaping

Slope Management:

Waterfront:

Resources in this zone focus on establishing a multi-layer buffer preferably 50 feet or greater along the shorelines of lakes, ponds and streams. Healthy buffers consist of native trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and an intact duff layer. Buffers prevent soil erosion, slow down and infiltrate stormwater runoff, prevent pollutants from reaching waterways, provide wildlife habitat and discourage geese and other waterfowl from lawn grazing and leaving phosphorus laden feces behind. Remember, any projects within 250 feet of lakes and ponds may need a Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act permit. Also, any work in the water that involves the movement or extraction of soils and/or plants will require a permit from the NH Wetlands Bureau.

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Section 2 - Water Friendly Actions on the Landscape:

These are actions you can practice to reduce your impact to the water quality of our streams, lakes and ponds.

Section 3 - additional resources That may be helpful:

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