TAKE THE PLEDGE:
PROTECT THE BANTAM WATERSHED
Bantam Lake is listed on CT DEEP’s List of Impaired Waters for Connecticut for Recreational Use. Human-related disturbances such as erosion, overapplied fertilizers, polluted stormwater runoff, and improperly disposed pet waste are significant causes of this impairment.
However, by adopting lake-safe practices and spreading the word, YOU can make a big difference in reducing cyanobacteria blooms right from your backyard.
Together we can protect our lakes and rivers for generations to come.
Who should take the pledge?
You should take the pledge if you:
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Live within the Bantam Lake Watershed (including Morris, Litchfield, Goshen and Torrington)
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Own a business within the Bantam Lake Watershed (especially farms, golf courses, landscapers, contractors & home service providers)
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Are a recreational visitor to the lake & rivers, (e.g. for fishing, kayaking, beachgoing, swimming, boating, & more).
You can take the pledge by committing to achieve as many of the items below as applicable for your home or business. Expand each item to learn more about how and why to accomplish these tasks.
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Limit use of fertilizer in your lawn or garden.Most fertilizers contain phosphorus and nitrogen which run off into streams, ponds & lakes, and promote the growth of cyanobacteria (previously called blue-green algae). Fertilizer is one the BIGGEST contributors to harmful algae blooms and should be minimized whenever possible.
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Increase vegetation along shorelines (streams, ponds or lakes) or add native plants to your yard.A wide shoreline “buffer” of native shrubs, bushes, and trees will absorb phosphorus and nitrogen and act as a buffer zone. This mimics natural riparian buffers which filter out these excess nutrients and limit erosion. Runoff from non-shoreline yards or homes can harm a lake from miles away in the upper watershed.
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Learn to identify CT's aquatic invasive species and prevent the spread by thoroughly checking your boat & equipment.Aquatic invasive plants threaten lakes in many ways, including: damaging infrastructure (such as pipes); reducing recreation or navigation; decreasing property values; disrupting lake ecosystems; negatively affecting fish populations; degrading water quality and more. Practice the clean, drain, dry technique when taking your boat out of a waterbody and before putting it in at another launch.
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Keep litter out of your yard and "leave no trace" when visiting lakes, streams, rivers & trails.Garbage contains pollutants that negatively impact water quality, endanger local wildlife, and negatively affect recreation and tourism.
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Reduce water usage during times of drought.Drought causes harm to local wildlife and can shift the critical nutrient balance in the lake, leading to algae blooms. Small changes in water usage can make a big difference to the lake community and watershed.
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Prevent septic system pollution with regular maintenance, inspection & pumping.Septic systems that are malfunctioning, weren’t properly installed to begin with, or are being used incorrectly risk leaking harmful bacteria into our drinking water and causing myriad health problems.
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Allow water to soak into the ground, where it can be filtered before returning to the waterbody.When rain, snowmelt and hose water runoff flows across impervious surfaces like asphalt and cement, it picks up bacteria and pollutants and carries it back to the watershed. Whenever you're using water outside or designing your landscape, you can make it easier for water to be absorbed into the ground.
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Dispose of pet waste properly.Dog and cat waste contain high levels of bacteria harmful to people and the lake, so never let it stay on the ground where it could find its way into our water.
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Deter geese populations from your shoreline property.Geese could pass on swimmer’s itch and leave significant amounts of “natural fertilizer” which contributes to cyanobacteria or algae blooms. Keep them from landing on your property by adding visual deterrents including Myler tape and decoy predators, or by planting shoreline riparian buffers.
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Stay informed!Follow local and lake-wide health advisories, and other opportunities in the watershed.