Whether you live along the shoreline or in the surrounding hills, your actions matter as stormwater runoff from across the watershed affects Lake Hopatcong’s health. The Lake-Friendly Living program helps residents reduce runoff and support a cleaner, healthier lake. Stormwater—rain or melting snow that flows over land or into storm drains—can carry pollutants such as nutrients, chemicals, and sediment. When unmanaged, it degrades water quality, harms aquatic life, and threatens both public health and recreation.
Being “lake friendly” means actively protecting Lake Hopatcong through responsible everyday actions and property care. Whether you’re maintaining your yard, managing your septic system, or supporting healthy riparian buffer zones, your choices make a difference. Small changes may seem insignificant, but together, hundreds of individual actions can lead to large-scale environmental stewardship.
At the heart of the program is the Lake Friendly Interview - a quick, online survey designed to help you discover how lake-friendly your property is. This new, interactive tool builds on our Lake-Friendly Living Guide to create a more engaging learning experience for lake residents. We’re excited to be in this new phase and truly value your input as we continue to refine and improve the program. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to us at lakefriendly@lakehopatcongfoundation.org.
Your responses in the interview earn points (up to 33 total), and your score is followed by a personalized email with helpful suggestions and resources tailored to your property. There are no penalties for participation or low scores, the goal is education and improvement.
Take the Lake-Friendly Interview
All participants, regardless of score, receive guidance and tools to support more lake-friendly practices. Properties that meet Lake-Friendly standards receive a recognition sign for their property.
Lake-Friendly Living GuideOur Lake-Friendly Living Guide is a downloadable PDF filled with practical tips and information to help you make lake-conscious choices every day. Whether you live right on the water or miles away in the surrounding hills, your actions matter—stormwater runoff from across the watershed impacts Lake Hopatcong’s health. The guide covers a wide range of topics, from lawn care and landscaping to driveway materials, home maintenance, and more, all aimed at reducing pollution and preserving water quality. It’s a simple, accessible way to learn how small changes around your home can protect our lake and even boost your property value. Click the button below to view or download the guide and take your first step toward living lake-friendly!
View/Download Guide
Our Lake-Friendly Living Guide was funded through a grant from The Watershed Institute.