Septic Systems in the Shoreland Zone

A Proposal to Protect Kezar Lake — Public Meeting Invitation

The Kezar Lake Watershed Association, together with FB Environmental Associates and soil scientist David Rocque, invites all Lovell residents to a public meeting to discuss a proposed Shoreland Septic Ordinance designed to protect one of our town's greatest treasures: Kezar Lake and its upstream ponds.

Kezar Lake's exceptional water quality is the foundation of our community. It supports the recreation our families enjoy, sustains local businesses, and underpins shoreline property values that generate roughly 70% of Lovell's tax revenue. Protecting that water quality protects all of us — on the lake and off.

The proposed ordinance is a common-sense, preventive measure. Septic systems have a typical lifespan of 20 to 40 years, and when older systems quietly fail, phosphorus and other contaminants can reach the lake — feeding the kind of algae and cyanobacteria blooms that have harmed lakes elsewhere in New England. The ordinance ensures that the roughly 600 properties within 250 feet of the lake and its ponds have septic systems that are working properly and well maintained, through periodic visual assessments, pumping every five years, and inspections for older systems.

The approach is straightforward and affordable. Costs are covered by user fees rather than town taxes, compliance costs for homeowners are modest, and the program rolls out gradually over four years. Many lake communities across Maine, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania have had to adopt proposals like this to protect their lakes. 

This is your opportunity to learn about the proposal, ask questions, give input, and share your perspective. Whether you live on the lake, nearby, or elsewhere in town, your voice matters. Please join us — together we can keep Kezar Lake clean, healthy, and thriving for generations to come.