Environmental Issues:
Beauty
Salon & Barber Shop Licensing
Building
Conversions, Additions & Accessory Structures
Food Protection Program
Lake & Pond Swimming Areas
Pools
Septic Systems
Water Quality
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Lake and Pond Swimming
Areas
The northwest part of
Connecticut is dotted with numerous lakes, ponds and streams that provide
a major attraction for summer recreational activities. The Torrington Area
Health District has, for a number of years, maintained an extensive
bathing water sampling program for lakes and ponds in our member towns. We
test many different locations at more than 30 lakes and ponds in the
Health District including municipal and lake association beaches, swim
clubs and boat launch sites. The sampling period extends from the end of
May through the month of August. Beaches at State parks are tested by the
State Department of Environmental Protection, and information about their
water quality can be obtained by calling 1-860-424-3051 during the
operating season. Federally owned flood control dams used for recreation
swimming are under the jurisdiction of the Army Corp of Engineers.
The suitability of bathing
water is evaluated using fecal streptococcus which is a naturally
occurring bacteria from both humans and animals. If results exceed 61
fecal streptococcus for every 100 milliliters of water tested, it is a
cause for concern and an immediate inspection to find the source of the
bacteria is conducted. Decisions to close a swimming area are based on an
overall review of the bathing water quality and watershed, not on a single
high bacteria test. The bacterial water quality in the lakes and ponds
monitored in the Health District has been historically very good. Many of
the lakes and ponds do suffer from nutrients from lawn fertilizers and
agricultural operations and they have serious weed and algae problems that
detract from their appeal.
The sanitary quality of
bathing water is dependent on a number of factors. An imaginary line drawn
around a lake encompassing all the land that eventually drains into that
lake defines what is referred to as a "watershed". Activities
that take place on the watershed can have an impact on water quality.
Failing septic systems, large farms, storm water runoff as well as land
development have an effect on the overall water quality. The number of
swimmers also can effect short-term water quality. Large numbers of
bathers in a confined beach area tend to increase the bacteria levels. As
the number of bathers decreases these levels fall back due to the large
amount of dilution water and the constant current movements of the lake or
pond. In some very small bathing ponds that are subject to heavy use, it
is sometimes necessary to add fresh water from wells or springs to the
pond. The rule of thumb for small ponds with inlet and outlet flow is that
there should be a minimum of 1000gallons\day\bather available for
dilution.
The resident duck and goose population around some of the ponds and
lakes in the Health District has increased tremendously in recent years.
Although their waste does not contain any organisms that produce illness
in humans, it does have a high concentration of fecal bacterial that can
effect water sample results and the accumulation of droppings on the beach
are aesthetically objectionable. There are a number of wildlife management
practices that can be instituted to make the sites less attractive to
waterfowl. Waterfowl should not be encouraged to live on a recreational
lake or pond by feeding them. Up-to-date information on beaches and ponds
can be obtained by contacting the Health District during our sampling
season.
General Information pertaining to environmental
Issues
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