ABOUT THE LZA

Water quality is a primary area of focus for the Lake Zoar Authority. Beginning in 2020, Western Connecticut State University’s Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program includes Lake Zoar in a weekly water testing program. The annual program monitors Cyanobacteria in regional lakes during the summer months when blooms are most likely. When Microcystin toxin levels exceeded federal and state limits, public beaches are closed. The towns and DEEP also test water at public beaches.

The LZA’s role is information gathering. The LZA also participates in water studies to learn more about the changing conditions of the water. In addition to quality, the LZA has an extensive program to control the growth of invasive weeds. As funds allow, the most infested areas are treated with an herbicide that is used in over 150 lakes in CT each year. The herbicides are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and applied by professional lake managers in coordination with FirstLight Power Resources, Inc. The herbicides selectively eradicate undesirable plants by disrupting their specific growth processes without impacting native plants. People and pets can continue to safely use the lake without risk. Management of invasive plants helps to maintain enjoyable recreational access to the lake and maintain an ecosystem balance.