Millfoil Treatment in Winnisquam

[feb]

From what I've read, the north end of Winnisquam will be treated with 2,4-D this June. I live in the area and am wondering what the concerns or limitations will be. For those of you that have lived near an area treated with 2,4-D, what do we need to look out for? Can we swim? How many days should we stay away from the water? What about well water?

I'm assuming there will be a state notice or even a mailer to residents in the area, but figured I'd ask here as well.

Thanks,
Frank.

[Slickcraft]

Last June two small areas were treated near swim areas in Alton Bay. There was a one week restriction on swimming after the treatment. There was a public notice but I don't recall of there were any other restrictions.

The chemical treatment is just a first step to get the residual concentration down to where hand removal can work. There then has to be a follow on program for annual hand removal of plants.

[wifi]

Up until a few years ago, I used to drink the lake water. I could not afford my own well, and since I had been drinking it for 25+ years, I was too Yankee (ie stubborn) to give in to it all. Well, they put this stuff in the water, and I got sick for the summer. I called the company downstate, and they said $#%^ you, we have a permit. So I called the State, and they said too bad, I was notified they were "poisoning" (my words) the lake. I then asked who my lawyer should direct his suit at when my pre-teenage family started growing 3 arms? This did cause some pause, and I was offered free drinking water. I declined, took out a loan on a backhoe and dug my own well, which I am using today.

Bottom line, is this stuff is bad. They claim in a few weeks you can use the water??? Where do the chemicals go to? Do they just evaporate?

Sorry for what seems to be a rant, just beware of these 'harmless' chemicals, and be sure you don't injest any lake water. Now, what about the fish you catch and eat? ... hmmmmmmm

[secondcurve]

Wifi:

You are exposed to chemicals everywhere in today's world. Most are absolutely safe. I believe you are over reacting, but I certainly can understand your concern. How much did it cost to dig a well?

[SAMIAM]

As I understand it,the chemical does not harm marine or wildlife,but deprives the plants of oxygen in some way. Don't like to put anything in the lake but if we don't do something,milfoil will choke out the entire lake.The area that is infested is a great fishing spot and you can't even get near it now without getting tangled with weeds.
I'm sure it will work out ok.

[Sunrise Point]

I am glad that they are going ahead with the treatment. I have not heard anything about dates, but will watch for a notice.

As of last year, I think that Winnisquam was 9th on the list (NH DES) for treatment consideration. I read all of the info on the Suncook Lake treatment and was impressed at the level of planning that goes into this.

We do draw our wash/flush water from the lake and will be careful around the dates of the treatment. We bring drinking water from home so that won't be a problem.

The NH DES has a "Weed Watchers" packet that they send out to anyone who requests it. It is a great resource for aquatic plant identification and contains good information. I highly recommend it.

The ice is leaving, we are hoping to get the water started tomorrow. Yipeeee!