Nokomis Pond
Water source Protection
Shore land zoning attempts to protect our water resources by regulating the activities on land adjacent to our waterways. Our water resources play a vital role to local economies, natural habitats, and recreational activities.
For those living in the community of Palmyra you may visit the ordinance page of the community's website to review shore land zoning for that community.
For those living in the community of Newport you may visit the ordinance page of the community's website to review shore land zoning for that community.
Access to Nokomis Pond
Access to Nokomis Pond, over Newport Water District property, has been allowed for many years through our old pump house yard off Williams Road. In 1994, NWD stopped using that piece of our property as a functional component of the water system, and in 2002, we were forced to tear down the rotting building that was the old pump house. The yard was still left open for the public to park and use for access to the Pond, even though it was not officially a public access point. As time went on, an erosion issue began to show up along the short path to the pond. NWD could not allow this erosion to continue due to the close proximity to the raw water intake for the current treatment plant. In the recent past, we have had issues with trash being left in and around the old driveway area and on two separate occasions there was human excrement along with toilet paper left right on the rocks near the edge of the pond. This issue is one that we cannot ignore.
THIS IS THE PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLY FOR NEWPORT AND PALMYRA!
Over the last year, NWD has worked with the Maine Drinking Water Program and the Maine DEP to take measures to restore this site to a semi-natural state. We have also been forced to post that piece of our property with "NO TRESPASSING" and "NO PARKING" signage. These postings are permanent and violators will be prosecuted. These efforts have been made to help preserve an extremely vital resource to the Towns of Newport and Palmyra. Please consider this when using Nokomis Pond. The Newport Water District does not discourage use of the Pond; we just ask you use it respectfully, and that you do not use our property to access the Pond.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please direct them to Superintendent Aaron Newhall at the Newport Water District. Come in to the office during regular business hours, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, or call 368-4314 to discuss. Thank you.