(Volunteer Lake Assessment Program)


VLAP was launched in 1985 to establish a citizen-based lake sampling program to assist NHDES in evaluating lake quality throughout the state, and to empower citizens with information about the health of the state’s lakes and ponds. This cooperative effort allows state biologists and lake associations to make educated decisions regarding the future of New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds.

Volunteers are trained to collect water quality samples at the deepest spot of a lake and tributaries entering and exiting the lake. Annual sampling audits are conducted by VLAP biologists to ensure volunteers are following protocols. VLAP operates under an EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to ensure high-quality data are generated.  

Approximately 500 volunteers monitor 180 lakes throughout the state. Without their efforts, NHDES would have minimal knowledge of how our lakes are adapting to the constant pressures from humans, watershed development and climate change. The dedication of citizens to collecting water quality data, educating themselves and their communities, and protecting our valuable water resources is admirable and critical in ensuring New Hampshire’s environment is healthy for generations to come.