A: Yes, all herbicides and/or algaecides we use are EPA and state approved for use in pond, lakes, and wetlands. The registration process for aquatic herbicides and algaecides is extremely strict, much stricter than anything you’d find on the shelf at your local hardware store. These products are typically applied at parts per billion concentrations. A part per billion is equivalent to a drop of herbicide/algaecide for every billion drops of water. The products we use inhibit the photosynthesis process in one way, shape, or form.

No, these products are safe for fish and wildlife. We are typically involved in a project to either control invasive or nuisance species which do not provide beneficial wildlife habitat. The species we target outcompete beneficial native species and have the ability to disrupt the physical structure of the ecosystem and food webs, as well as reducing water quality, and more. Some of our treatments target potentially toxic algae, so we improve public health by controlling these potentially harmful algal species. In either case, our goal as scientists is to improve the habitat for fish and wildlife.

Prior to any management, we collect and analyze data. Following this data collection, a thorough alternatives analysis is conducted. Water & Wetland is a full-service lake management company. We offer surveys, water quality analysis, mechanical options, full-service pond and lake dredging, manual plant removal, biological controls, fountains and aeration, treatments, and more. Each of these options are considered with every project. Consideration is given to target species, non-target species, selectivity provided, how the target and non-target plants reproduce, plant densities and cover, and more. All our programs take an integrated approach which includes surveys, some degree of water quality, and typically multiple management techniques. 

We have obtained all necessary permits with local, state, and federal agencies, as applicable to the specific location and project. New England is highly regulated when it comes to pond and lake management, and we are certain to follow all appropriate policies closely.

Our company policy is to close down the lake or pond to all recreation during the day of treatment only. Swimming, boating, and fishing are NOT restricted on the product labels of the products we use. The sole reason for the one-day recreational restriction is to keep lake users out of the way during the actual treatment process. The last thing we’d want to do is hit someone with one of our boats. Given all of the above, it’s perfectly safe if you swam, fished, or boated prior to the restriction period on the poster ending.

The posters include the restrictions consistent with the product label of whichever product(s) we used for the specific treatment. Keep in mind that these products inhibit photosynthesis in plants and therefore the treated water may impact plants/grass you irrigate with treated water. This restriction only applied to water directly drawn from the pond or lake and does not apply to your public water supply, well, etc. If you use lake or pond water for irrigation, we recommend not using this water for irrigational purposes until the restriction has been lifted. 

No, well water will not be impacted. This is reviewed during the permitting process in many cases. The product labels we use may have restrictions specific to setbacks from potable water intakes, this is different from a well. Some of the products we use are actually NSF approved for direct application to drinking water.

Typically, no. Herbicide and algaecide treatments in New England are highly regulated and require extensive licensing, training, and permits. We recommend contacting a professional for help managing your lake or pond. We are happy to help, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. We’ve also provided some educational resources below.