Dear Sturbridge Lakes Residents:
We received several reports from residents that after swimming at the lake, they developed a “swimmers itch” which appears as bites or a rash.
We called our lake management company, Solitude Lakes, for a site visit. The lakes appear to be in a generally healthy condition, however, Solitude will conduct testing in an effort to determine the cause of the reported rashes.
There are two likely causes. One is the “swimmers itch” parasite, a naturally occurring lake condition which has been controlled in the past with spot treatments of a copper-based solution at the beaches.
The other is that high phosphorous/ low oxygen conditions could be causing algae blooms that can irritate the skin.
In either case, the recommendation by Solitude is the same. The lakes are safe for swimming while further testing is conducted. Swimmers should rinse off with fresh water, and thoroughly towel dry, to remove any irritating agents. Water hoses have been made available at the Foxview and Chatham beach houses.
Some residents have asked if the lakes are safe for their dogs, especially in light of the swimmer’s itch, and after lake chemical treatments. We remind residents that their dogs are not permitted at the beaches and should not be swimming in the lakes. We cannot know if any lake conditions or lake treatments are safe for pets, as this is not the focus of any testing. It is best that dogs be kept out of the lakes.
Whether or not high phosphorous is related to the swimmer’s itch, we do have an annual problem with the runoff of nutrients into our lakes. This promotes weeds, algae and lower water oxygen. Phosphorous is one such nutrient. It is naturally occurring, but is greatly increased by the use of fertilizers which are harmful to the lakes. Therefore, we are providing a reminder and some information to help you make the right landscaping choices.
Please remember that even if you don’t live along a lake, our stormwater drains directly into the lakes.
How to help reduce phosphorous and other harmful nutrients in the lakes:
While many factors play into our lakes’ health, it is the opinion of Solitude lakes and their staff biologist that the lakes are being negatively impacted by the overuse of non-approved fertilizers. The SLA would like to remind everyone that there are reasons behind restricting the amount of lawns permitted on each property. Less lawns mean less fertilizers. This in turn leads to healthier lakes and ecosystems.
Whatever we place on our properties will ultimately always wind up in our water. Fertilizers on all of our properties have a direct impact on the lakes. While fertilizing your lawn grows it fuller and thicker, it has the exact same effect on lake weeds.
What can we all do?
The SLA is asking all homeowners to stop using all fertilizer for the next 30 days. Fertilizer guidelines can be found in the information attached to this notice. Once the 30 day fertilizer pause has ended, these guidelines must be followed.
The fertilizers commonly used by landscapers and lawn treatment companies do not work well in our community given the complexities of the lake ecosystem.
Additionally, dumping of any materials into the lakes, (sand, soil, leaves, grass clippings, etc) is strictly prohibited. It’s crucial we all be good stewards of our environment. The lakes are essential to our property values and quality of ife.
We will continue to work closely with Solitude Lakes, and will keep you informed of any developments.
-SLA Board of Trustees
