The City's Public Water Supply Protection Ordinance (Chapter 55) is the main tool Ellsworth uses to ensure the protection of Branch Lake surface water; the source of our City's drinking water. It is intended to protect the drinking water supply from pollution and development; chemical contamination; recreational and boating pressures; and invasive aquatic plants. The ordinance regulates both surface water use and water-related activities taking place in, on, or from the surface of the water or the frozen water of Branch Lake.

The ordinance calls for boat inspections, which are conducted at the City operated boat launch when an attendant is present, or with a small investment of time spent taking a training class boaters can become self-inspectors and venture out onto Branch Lake when they please.  Please call (207) 667-8632 to be included in our next class.