Threats to Winchester's Lakes and Ponds

All waterbodies and waterways are under a constant barrage of threats that could have detrimental impacts to their water quality. These threats include introduction of various invasive species, excess nutrient loads, various pollutants, and eutrophication, which threatens to slowly fill in the water body. All of us are responsible for our own actions and how they might impact the downstream water resources. 

Non-native plants and animals upset ecological balance. They crowd out native species, degrade habitat, and are costly to remove.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection tracks invasive species spread throughout the State. 

Eutrophication
Eutrophication is the accumulation of nutrients within a waterbody, which can lead to increase plant life and the gradual filling of the waterbody with sediment. While this occurs naturally, human behavior can increase the speed in which it happens exponentially. Earth work which exposes soil and allows for sediment runoff, fertilization of lawns in the upland causes stormwater to carry those nutrients to the waterbody, and other behaviors all increase the speed in which eutrophication occurs.

Click the link below for more information on this process and how you can prevent it.

What is Eutrophication?

Sedimentation

Eroded soil from yards, driveways, construction, and bare patches can cloud water, harm fish habitat, and feed algae growth.

CT DEEP Stormwater Management Website

Cyanobacteria Blooms
Also known as Blue Green Algae, cyanobacteria occurs naturally in lakes and ponds through Connecticut. These organisms typically go unnoticed, until there is a bloom. Excessive nutrient pollution and increased temperatures are causing blooms more frequently, which can release toxins, causing harm to those that enter the water. 

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental protection tracks and monitors blooms, and provides information.