You Can Help Improve the Water Quality of the Lake By:

• Not Feeding the Geese -- Not only is feeding the geese against the law but dense populations of waterfowl create erosion, increase bacteria and increase phosphorous in the lake which promotes the growth of aquatic vegetation. To keep geese off your property do not mow to the water’s edge. Allow natural vegetation to grow there or plant native shrubs and warm weather grasses. If geese cannot see their escape route to the water they are less likely to use your lawn as their resting area.
• Plant Riparian Buffers Along Streams and Lakes -- Native plants and grasses function as a buffer protecting Lake Musconetcong from pollutants. Plants filter the sediments and nutrients entering the water, improve wildlife habitat as well as reducing bank erosion.
• Use Phosphorus Free Fertilizer -- When excess phosphorus enters the lake from runoff from lawns this promotes algae blooms and the growth of aquatic vegetation. Using lake-friendly phosphorus free fertilizer will not compromise the growth of your lawn. Phosphorus content is measured as phosphate and is the middle number in a series of 3 numbers printed on the bag. (22-0–15). Several businesses in the area sell phosphorus free fertilizer. Visit the Lake Hopatcong Commission website for a complete listing: lakehopatcong.org
• Do Not Allow Trash and Other Foreign Materials to Enter the Lake -- In 2006 an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 91 placed storm drain markers on over 250 storm drains around the lake to remind everyone that these storm drains empty to the lake. Your plastic bottles, paper cups, aluminum cans and used motor oil will all end up in Lake Musconetcong if you carelessly discard them along the roads and storm drains. Keep your lake clean – DO NOT LITTER.
• Start a Compost Pile in Your Yard -- Do not discard your grass clippings and leaves into the lake. This organic material decomposes and helps to fill in the lake, decreasing the oxygen content for fish and other aquatic vertebrates.