Lake and Dam
In one of the worst floods in Connecticut history, “The Great Flood of 55”, the north end dam and the road across its top were completely destroyed. The dam was later rebuilt, but the roadway was not. The dam remained virtually untouched after its rebuilding from 1956 until 1998.
Dam Repair Project
After a series of inspections revealed flaws and improvements that need to be made on the dam, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ordered the dam be either repaired or removed. LGIA concerned about the cost of this project and who was the responsible entity, approached the Battistoni family to acquire the dam and the parcel of land on either side of it, as well as the lake bottom and all three beaches. The project started in the fall of 1998 and was completed by the start of the summer season in 1999. The DEP provided 48% of the nearly a quarter of a million dollars in funding needed and the remainder provided by funds held in reserve by the Association as the result of sound fiscal management.
A comprehensive study of the lake was commissioned in 2012 to review Lake Garda’s overall water quality, potential problems and long-tern needs. The study, Lake Garda Dredge Study and Investigation prepared by Macchi Engineers, LLC of Hartford, CT can be viewed here.
The study showed that the biggest impact on the overall quality of the lake was the usage of common elements such as lawn fertilizer, insecticides, pesticides, oils, anti-freeze and house or deck washes and impact the quality of the lake water and well water and the health of the lakes fish and other wildlife. Other factors affecting the health and quality of the lake include excessive bacteria counts as a result of animal droppings from dogs, geese and ducks and leakage from septic and sewer systems.
Sediment, the largest contributor to lake bottom deposits, negatively impacts water quality by contributing to the lakes high organic levels while slowly decreasing the lakes depth. As the depth decreases, water temperatures increase, contributing to alga blooms. Road sand and salt, blocked storm drain catch basins, excessive tree cutting around the lakes perimeter, raking of leaves and grass clippings all contribute to lake bottom deposits.
Eliminate the Introduction of Harmful Chemicals into the Lake – Some chemicals may promote harmful nitrogen impacting the lake’s oxygen supply while others may impact the safety and well-being of persons, fish and wildlife and our lake’s water quality.
Leaking oils and anti-freeze – the watershed area into Lake Garda is large so it is important to prevent leaking oils and antifreezes from getting into the lake. Please take proper precautions.
Herbicides and pesticides – use the appropriate product for the job and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and disposal. Avoid mass applications and applying on a breezy or windy days. Never apply before a rainstorm.
Fertilizers – phosphorous and nitrogen can cause algae and lake weed growth. Avoid using excessive fertilizers or those high in nitrogen. Consult with local supplies for products recommended for use in lake watershed areas.
Animal droppings – no pets are allowed in beach areas. Please pick up all dog droppings when walking your dog in Lake Garda. Do not feed ducks or geese and do not encourage them to come into beach areas. Excessively high bacteria counts found in the lake water can be detrimental to the health of young children. These bacteria can be found in duck, geese and dog droppings. For more information on how dog dropping effect the environment consult the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.
