Lake Maintenance

Lake Hills Members,

All Habitat Services (AHS) will perform the following lake management items this week (exact day depends on the weather):

- Survey weed and algae growth throughout the lake. - Herbicide application (diquat) to invasive/nuisance weeds in swim areas and boating lanes as needed. - Algaecide application (Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate) to reduce filamentous algae growth (green/brown slime) on the lake surface and the lake bottom and to help prevent microscopic algae blooms (green water). - Water sampling including nutrient, e.coli and planktonic algae analysis.

AHS will perform the work from a boat launched from Beach 4 or Beach 6.

LAKE USAGE:

AHS will post chemical application notification signs (8.5" x 11" yellow paper) at applicable LHA beaches before or during all treatments. The signs contain details of water usage restrictions which are typically none for algaecide treatments, and minimal for herbicide treatments.

Signs are only posted at LHA beaches if a treatment was performed in the vicinity. Lake-side homeowners can check their closest beach to determine if a treatment was performed in the area.

Please keep an eye out for the posted notifications and adhere to any noted usage restrictions. If chemicals are applied directly in a swim area, it is advised to remain out of the water in that area for one hour.

WE CAN ALL HELP

1) Feeding your lawn can also feed the weeds and algae in the lake. Please minimize or eliminate lawn fertilizers. Consider having your soil analyzed by your lawn company or do it yourself (http://www.soiltest.uconn.edu/) to determine any deficiencies and receive appropriate recommendations. If you choose to fertilize consider using organic fertilizer with low or no phosphorous and low nitrogen (first number is nitrogen, middle number is phosphorous, ex., 10-0-4).

2) Never dump any yard debris or chemicals into or near the lake.

3) Properly maintain septic systems and ensure not leaking.

4) Manually remove debris and nuisance aquatic weeds and filamentous algae from near-shore swim areas.