During the severe rain in early May, Kezar witnessed high water levels that flooded shorelines and sent hauled docks adrift. Some areas of the watershed received upwards of 5" inches of rain in 24 hours.
Kezar Lake Watershed Association wants you to know that flooding is a matter of concern for human safety, property damage and for the quality of our waters long-term. Potential water quality impacts from the flooding include increased phosphorus loading from eroded soils, bacterial influx from compromised septic systems, and nonpoint-sourced pollution from flooded landscapes. The amount of nutrients entering the lake from a sustained flooding event are a serious concern, particularly shallow areas with moderately high total phosphorus level, like the Lower Bay. During a hot summer, algae blooms might occur.
KLWA continues to monitor the lake, but mitigating impacts is also up to you.
REcommended Actions for landowners
Minimize erosion:
Avoid walking over and working in flooded areas to prevent further damage to soil and root structure of grasses, brush and trees. Delay raking until the ground has dried. We encourage you to leave duff (needles, leaves) in place on the lawn as it enriches the soil and reduces erosion.
Septic systems:
Check your septic system for damage and ensure you are on a regular pumping schedule. Flood water contamination of shallow wells and submerged septic tanks requires quick action and professional help.
Docks:
Wait to put your dock in until the ground has dried and the shoreline is less fragile. Always take care putting your dock in for the season, and try to use the same access point to reduce shoreline damage.
Flooded structures:
Ensure power is shut off before entering flooded areas. Avoid walking barefoot and wear protective gear as flood waters can be contaminated by human and animal waste and chemicals. To reduce mold, dry wet equipment and ventilate flooded areas.
Recreation and safety:
Boating in water below 50 degrees F can be hazardous, particularly in high water conditions with strong currents. Always wear life jackets. Right now, submerged hazards are everywhere: docks, chairs, construction lumber, large branches and various pieces of floating plastic. Take extra precaution.
Sign up for a free LakeSmart evaluation to reduce future impacts:
There's no better time to sign up for a free LakeSmart evaluation. Volunteer evaluators will help identify recommendations to make your property more lake friendly and more resilient in future flooding events.
Our free LakeSmart program is the best way for us to make specific recommendations on how to make your property more lake-friendly and resilient, including reducing erosion and flooding impacts. Register for a free LakeSmart evaluation at kezarwatershed.org/lakesmart.
We are available to provide advise on flooding and other property concerns. Please call 207-925-8020 or email kezarwatershed@gmail.com.
Update: A previous version of this blog stated that the May 2023 flooding was the first serious flooding following a violent rainstorm. It was brought to our attention by several long-term residents that, there have been a number of such floods in the past. Of remark are floods in ’87, ’98, and 2012. When including ’23, they appear to have occurred about every decade, though the ’87 flood was said to have been 6” to a foot higher than the others.
While there have been previous severe floods in the area, these events may become more frequent in the near future. Shoreland owners are advised to follow ordinances closely to protect the shoreline.
Photos contributed by Lucy LaCasse, Heinrich Wurm, Tom Gilmore, and Steve Lewis.