Lake Zoar's Water to be Treated for Nuisance Plants; Swimming, Drinking Restrictions in Place

Newtown, CT — The CT DEEP, Pesticide Division is notifying the public that selected areas of Lake Zoar will be chemically treated with Reward (Diquat) herbicide and copper sulfate algaecid to control the Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed, two aquatic nuisance plants.

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The treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, 2016, depending on the weather. A "back-up date" is set for Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Posted signs will be posted in accordance with DEEP requirements.

A map showing the specific treatment areas will be posted at the State Boat Ramp and at other public access sites, prior to treatment.

No swimming will be allowed in treated areas on July 13 and no use of treated lake water for drinking will be allowed for three days. This includes not using treated lake water for livestock or domestic animal consumption for one day, irrigating turf or ornamental plants with treated water for three days, no use of treated lake water for irrigating food crops or production ornamentals for five days.

These temporary water use restrictions apply only to the areas treated and affected by treatment. Information on the specific date of application may be obtained from the person named below. The chemical application is being conducted by the State licensed firm, SOLitude Lake Management, of 590 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, Tel. (508) 865-1000; contact Keith Gazaille.

Image by jagermesh via Flickr Creative Commons