The latest gathering last week was organized by the outreach committee of Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne; it attracted about 25 attendees from near and far.
At the outset, presenters explained that the federal Environmental Protection Agency has mandated Vermont reduce its total maximum daily load of pollutants into Lake Champlain.
Regulations have already affected farmers, new construction and businesses, and will soon affect towns and taxpayers who must all share in the responsibility of protecting our precious resource.
Of concern are contaminants such as chemicals from manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, e-coli, and chloride from road salt.
But reduction of phosphorous is a top priority.
High levels of phosphorous, which can lead to toxic blue-green algae blooms in summertime, can render water undrinkable, unswimmable, and unsustainable to aquatic life.
Some studies are linking close proximity to the blooms with neurodegenerative diseases, said panelist Krista Hoffsis, program coordinator at Lewis Creek Association, a Charlotte-based nonprofit conservation group and watchdog for area rivers and streams.
But that very impermeability that protects groundwater also contributes to swift and unfiltered stormwater runoff.
“People know there is something going on in the lake but there is a disconnect.
She travels around Vermont speaking with people and gathering information to help secure federal funding for forests, and agricultural practices that will benefit water resources.