FRIENDS OF THE LAKE
Safely Enjoy Our Lakes
Eric Roberts, FoL, Water Quality
Lake Linganore’s four private lakes provide unique and
wonderful opportunities for residents to enjoy, offering
swimming, boating, fishing, and other recreational
opportunities. If we are not careful we can easily be lulled into
unrealistic expectations of water quality. After all, the lakes
are in beautiful rural Frederick County and Lake Linganore
is Frederick’s primary drinking water source.
It’s worth
reminding ourselves, however, that Lake Linganore collects
runoff from a large watershed spanning to the south from
New Market to Mt. Airy and to the north from Libertytown to
Taylorsville; a watershed that is currently 56% agricultural. The
composition of our lakes is affected by a range of natural and
human watershed activities and is constantly changing. Over
90% of the watershed that feeds into Lake Linganore is outside
our community control. Therefore, precautionary measures
are appropriate in and around the lakes to keep us safe. Here
are some things we can do to help.
How to help prevent water-related illnesses:
• Avoid swimming near storm drains and within 48 hours of
a heavy rain event, or until the water clears.
• Try not to swallow lake water.
Connect with Friends of the Lake
Find us on Facebook: Friends of the
Lake * Lake Linganore at Eaglehead
Email: FriendsofLakeLinganore@gmail.com
• Shower or bathe after swimming.
• If you bring a pet to the beach, dispose of its waste properly.
• Avoid swimming if you feel ill or have open cuts or sores. If
water contact can’t be avoided, cover your open cut or sore
with waterproof