Improving Water Quality in Lake Attitash: The Impact of Nutrient Reduction Barriers

Amesbury, MA - Lake Attitash. 2004 - 2024, a floating boom system was designed and installed in the Back River to reduce phosphorus levels. The boom, 140 feet long with a 6-foot-deep filter curtain, spanned the river, anchored from bank to bank. Mushroom anchors were used upstream and downstream to maintain its position across various flow conditions. Data from the 2004 and 2005 seasons showed total phosphorus reductions of 53% and 43%, respectively. In 2020, analysis revealed a 52% reduction in total phosphorus downstream of the barrier. By 2022, sampling data confirmed an impressive 60% reduction. Town engineers also noted significant improvements, supported by Google Earth imagery, highlighting the effectiveness of the boom. Overall, phosphorus levels have consistently decreased, with an average minimum reduction of 43% per season.