Our Watersheds

Saco Watershed

Balch Lake

Balch Lake was formed approximately 150 years ago when a dam was built on the Little Ossipee River in Newfield ME.  The major inflow is controlled by Chick’s Dam on the northwestern corner of the lake.  It is also fed by dozens of natural springs.  Balch is approximately 4 miles long with more than 14 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 44 feet, and a total surface area of 704 acres. It has many peninsulas, coves, and islands.  Balch is a border lake within three different towns in two states:  Acton & Newfield, Maine and Wakefield, New Hampshire.  There are approximately 700 private camps along its shores with 12 different property owner associations.  BLIMP (Balch Lake Improvement Association) is the umbrella organization.  More information can be found at: www.balchlake.org

WHAT’S AWWA UP TO ON BALCH LAKE?

Youth Conservation Corps projects

Hosting events and workshops of interest to lake associations and their members

Lake Statistics

Towns: Wakefield, NH, Newfield, ME & Acton, ME
Counties: Carroll-NH & York-ME
Latitude: 43°37’01″N
Longitude: 70°59’05″W
Watershed: Saco River
Elevation: 557 ft
Lake Area: 284.91ha (704  acres)
Maximum Depth: 14.1 m (46.3 ft)
Volume: 6,866,000 m3 (1,813,805,311 gallons)
Average Depth: 2.9 m (9.5 ft)
Watershed Area: 2583.6 ha (9.98 square miles)
Shoreline: 23,500 m (14.6 mi)
Flushing Rate: 2.2 flushes/year
Aquatic Invasive Plants: Variable-leaf milfoil (confirmed 2004)
Fishery Type: Warmwater
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, black crappie, yellow perch & pumpkinseed

Sources: NH Department of Environmental Services, NH Fish & Game 

WHAT’S AWWA UP TO ON BALCH LAKE?

Youth Conservation Corps projects

Hosting events and workshops of interest to lake associations and their members

Watershed Resources

Sources: NH Department of Environmental Services & NH Fish & Game