Water Quality Info
Since the 1980's the NH Department of Environmental Services and the Cobbett's Pond Improvement Association (CPIA) have tested water samples from the pond. Unfortunately, over this time period, test results have shown a significant deterioration of the pond's water quality.
A major contributor to the decline in water quality is development in the watershed. The watershed is the area that funnels water runoff and other nutrients into the lake. Although it is fact that the water quality isn't what is used to be, there are steps that residents can take to help improve the situation.
The NH Department of Environmental Services has comprised a list of recommended practices that residents should consider adopting to improve water quality. This information can be found at the following link.
DES - Volunteer Lake Assessment Program annual results and recommendations:
Planting in the watershed
It has been scientifically proven that planting shrubs and trees in the watershed improves water quality. Plants take some nutrients out of water run-off before it enters the lake, which helps decrease nutrient loading.
A list of plantings compiled by the DES and "A Field Guide to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire" can be viewed by visiting the links below.
Native Shoreland/Riparian Buffer Plantings for New Hampshire
A Field Guide to Common Riparian Plants of New Hampshire
You can also find helpful tips on landscaping from the EPA at: