Maine DEP Lake Scorecard

In 2025, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a Scorecard that summarizes lake data and trends in health.  The tool brings together data from several sources (including SPIA!) to summarize lake health across four key areas: water quality trends, invasive plants, shoreland & habitat, and lake vulnerability.   While water quality trends remain good, the lake shows vulnerability in the three other quadrants.  We need to act now!  Everyone who enjoys the lake plays a role in keeping it healthy.  Small steps can make a real difference!

Here is a snapshot of Square Pond’s first scorecard, with data through 2024.

Current scorecard Historic/ tracking

Where can I find the interactive scorecard?

To access the interactive scorecard and read about recommendations on potential actions- go to www.lakesofmaine.org and then search by lake name or town. 

How often will the data be refreshed?

The tool currently shows data through 2024 and the data will be refreshed annually.

What do the colors mean?

The categories are color- coded: blue = good, yellow = fair, red = poor/ at risk, and grey indicating that there is not enough information.

The results are not what I expected!  What can we do?

There are many ways to interpret the data, but Square Pond appears healthy today and also highly vulnerable.  We will need to continue the work we are doing and consider efforts such as increasing native vegetation to preserve Square Pond’s health and recreational value.   Everyone can help by doing things like:
Always remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat, trailer and gear
Reduce stormwater runoff by maintaining and adding native vegetation near the shoreline
Reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizer (if absolutely necessary, choose Phosphorus-free fertilizer)
Properly maintain your septic system
Always properly dispose of debris, never in the lake
Join a SPIA team