Lake Auburn study investigates how to balance water quality, recreation and development

View of Sebago Lake, Maine, at water level with ducks and mountains in background
Maine lake. Photo: photophil321/Shutterstock

Lake Auburn is the main source of drinking water for the Lewiston-Auburn area, and since 1991 the water district has received a waiver of filtration requirements due to the lake’s historically high water quality. Currently, development and recreational uses are restricted to varying degrees around and on the lake.

A recent study commissioned by the city examined the environmental and economic impacts of lifting restrictions on the 2,260-acre lake. Adam Daigneault, assistant professor of forest, conservation, and recreation policy at UMaine and a Mitchell Center faculty fellow, was involved in the research. The study determined that low-impact use of Lake Auburn would not cause significant harm and would provide some economic benefit.

Learn more in recent articles at MaineBiz and the Portland Press Herald.