LOPA Volunteers Complete Summer 2025 Lake Testing

Lake Opechee Preservation Association (LOPA) volunteers once again participated in the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) for 2025. LOPA tested several water quality parameters on Lake Opechee at various times throughout the summer.

LOPA Volunteer Steve Benz takes water quality samples on Lake Opechee. (Photo Credit Mike Benz)

According to NHDES, “By sampling a lake or pond several times each year (usually once a month during the summer) over a period of years, volunteer monitors help develop a comprehensive data set from which long-term water quality trends can be discerned. Such monitoring results in the early detection of water quality changes, allowing NHDES to trace potential problems to their source. If the data gathered through VLAP reveals a significant water quality problem, the historical data can be used to justify implementation of a more intensive watershed study. VLAP data sets are invaluable, serving as a community planning resource, in maintaining federal lakes funding, and in NHDES’ mission to protect New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds.”

LOPA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) certified advocacy organization whose mission includes the protection of Lake Opechee and advocacy for positive outcomes. The VLAP water quality results are retained here and accessible from the LOPA website.