This week we look at the plan to protect Bantam Lake, decide where to throw the next dinner party, and find a few fun things to do. Glad you’re back.

Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger

Bantam Lake gets two chemical treatments this month. And there's been quite a bit of disagreement. While some people support the treatment plan, others, especially on the Bantam Lake Protective Association Facebook page, have been pretty skeptical. Below is a breakdown of everything that's happening. Hope this addresses everyone's concerns and goals for protecting our beautiful Bantam Lake.

The first problem is that Bantam has too much food in it. The food is phosphorus, and it washes off the land all around the lake, a watershed of about 20,000 acres across Goshen, Litchfield, Morris, and Torrington. Phosphorus feeds algae, and by late summer the algae is what turns the water green and murky. It is a nutrient problem, and a nutrient has a source you can chase.

The second problem is a weed. Eurasian milfoil is an invasive underwater plant, not from here, the thick growth that clogs the coves and grabs propellers by midsummer. It is not a nutrient problem. It is an invasion, a plant that got into the lake and took hold. That is why the algae and weed treatments are not on the same clock.

Two problems, one treatment aimed at each. They are taken one at a time below, because the chemicals are different, the worries are different, and so are the endings. Phosphorus can be reduced. Milfoil has to be managed.

The treatment for the algae is copper sulfate, set for June 24. It goes into part of the lake at a time, under permit. Copper sulfate is the old standard for this, the algaecide lakes and reservoirs have used for a hundred years, and it is the less contentious of the two chemicals going in. The cancer and organ-damage worries that lit up the thread are about the weed killer, not the copper. Those come further down.

The worry that actually belongs here is about the algae, not the treatment. Some blue-green algae make a toxin called microcystin, and that is the thing to watch for in green water. The Association has tested Bantam for it since around 2015, and it has never come back above 1. The EPA’s line for safe swimming is 8. [4] The green water at Bantam has not tested above the EPA swimming advisory level for microcystin, but the cyano counts are rising early this year, which is why BLPA is treating now.

Last year, the lake got a hydrogen peroxide treatment that the Association says gave great early water clarity. But it appears to have kept the cyanobacteria down for only a limited time, not the full three years they had hoped for based on similar treatments in nearby waterbodies. That is why they are back to copper sulfate now.

But copper only works for a season. It knocks the algae back and does nothing about the phosphorus that feeds it, which comes right back down the river next year. So the real question is what is being done about the phosphorus. There is more happening upstream than the comment thread makes it sound.

There is a plan, and Bantam is first in line for it. CT DEEP wrote what amounts to a pollution budget for the lake, and the EPA approved it. [5] It measures how much phosphorus the lake can take, how much it is getting now, and sets a target for closing the gap. Right now the lake runs a little over the line. The goal is to get it under and keep it there.

Getting there means chasing the sources, the same ones the lake has always had: farm runoff off the hills above Goshen, lawn fertilizer, leaking septic tanks, and rain sheeting off roads and driveways into the Bantam River, which carries it into the lake. The plan picks the cheapest fix that works for each one: rain gardens and catch basins to soak up runoff, work with farmers to keep fertilizer and manure out of the streams, repairs to failing septic systems, strips of native plants along the shore and riverbanks to filter what gets through. The small sewage plant up at Woodridge Lake is being upgraded to put out less. [5]

Most of it is voluntary. DEEP can set the target but cannot order a Goshen farmer or a lakefront owner to change what they do, and farm runoff in particular sits outside the rules that govern factory pipes. So it moves at the speed of grants and persuasion, which is slow. The Association is doing its part, asking people and businesses to take a pledge: less fertilizer, a buffer at the water’s edge, pump the septic tank.

This problem has a bottom, though. Cut the phosphorus and the green water eases, and if the watershed work holds, it should trouble the lake less every year. Copper handles the symptom for the summer. The upstream work is what changes next summer.

Eurasian Milfoil is highly invasive. It spreads by breaking: snap off a piece with a propeller or a rake, and that piece drifts, settles, and takes root as a new plant.

A healthy floor holds a mix of native plants that feed the ducks, shelter young fish, and hold the bottom down. Milfoil grows faster than any of them and shades them out from above, trading the whole mix for one thick mat of the same invader.

That mat is what reaches the surface. By late summer the coves fill top to bottom, until a canoe will not pass and a swimmer comes up wrapped in it. The fishing goes too. A little weed is good cover for fish; a solid wall of it is too dense to hunt in, and the lake fills with small stunted panfish that nothing can chase and no one can reach.

And it ends up feeding the same problem the copper is fighting. The plants die back in the fall, sink, and rot, and the rot pulls oxygen out of the water, which is what kills fish. A lake choked with milfoil is heading for the same oxygen crash as the algae, just on a slower clock.

There is a cost past Bantam, too. Every boat that leaves with a fragment stuck to the trailer can carry the weed to the next pond down the road. A lake left to its milfoil becomes the thing that seeds the others.

Leaving it alone is not neutral. The weed keeps moving. The Association is also warning lakefront owners not to mechanically harvest milfoil on their own waterfronts, because breaking it up can spread it.

The treatment came in mid-June, when SOLitude Lake Management, a licensed contractor, put two weed killers, Tribune and Aquathol-K, into parts of the lake. The active chemical in Tribune is diquat, and diquat is what most of the argument was actually about.

“Diquat is banned in Europe.” True. Diquat, the main chemical in Tribune, is banned in the EU, the UK, and Switzerland. [1] The US still allows it.

So why is it allowed here? Europe’s ban turned mostly on the chemical being sprayed across open fields, where wind carries it onto people and birds. That is not what happens here. At Bantam, it goes in underwater, in a roped-off section, set down by a licensed crew, and once it is in the water, it grabs onto the mud and stops moving. [2] It does not drift onto anyone. A treated cove is a long way from a crop duster over a field.

The harder part is the EPA standard itself. We are told the lake dose is safe because the EPA set a level it calls safe, and those levels are not worth taking on faith. But the agency leans on studies the chemical companies hand it, rarely checks them itself, and has set limits that later turned out too high. Diquat is chemically related to paraquat, the weedkiller now at the center of Parkinson’s lawsuits and regulatory fights. That does not make diquat the same chemical, nor does it mean the lake is poisoned. It does mean people have some legitimate questions about these chemicals.

“It kills everything.” There is truth in it. Diquat and Aquathol-K kill the plants they touch, so within the treated patch they also kill some native plants along with the milfoil, not just the weed. They are not very toxic to fish at these doses. The real risk to fish is the same one the rotting weed poses on its own, only faster: kill a thick stand of plants at once and the die-off pulls oxygen out of the water as it breaks down. That is why the lake is treated in halves. If you leave half alone the fish have somewhere to go.

“It’s cancerous.” Not fully established. None of the three chemicals, diquat, endothall, or copper, is a known human carcinogen. What is new is a wave of research, a review of more than a hundred studies, linking diquat to damage in the gut, liver, kidneys, and lungs. [6] It is also almost entirely about diquat that is swallowed, at toxic levels or in animal feeding studies, and the researchers say plainly that the effects of low, everyday exposure in people still have not been studied. What none of it measures is the one thing that matters here: what a swimmer takes in from a lake treated at the permitted dose, days later.

Chlorine is the closest comparison. Most of us have swum in chlorinated pools plenty of times. Drink it straight or rub it on your skin and it does real harm; a small amount in the pool is fine, enough to kill the bacteria without being strong enough to hurt you, even if you come up with a mouthful. Diquat works the same way. The danger is in the concentrated chemical and in swallowing it, not in a diluted, roped-off, late-summer dose you swim in days after the fact.

“The water-use waits prove it’s dangerous.” Fair question. The notice does tell people to wait a few days before watering livestock or running irrigation, and a waiting period can be seen as a warning. But those waits are boilerplate, printed on every label for these products.

“Why not just use carp?” Carp sound better than herbicide. In this lake, they are probably worse. They are not selective grazers: turned loose, they go for the soft native plants first and leave the tough milfoil standing, so you can end up with the natives gone and the invader still there. And once they are in, they are in, stocked sterile and nearly impossible to pull back out. They also do nothing for the algae. For milfoil, the carp is the rare case where the gentler-sounding tool leaves the lake worse off.

The Association responded to the thread at length and held its annual meeting on June 20 at Morris Community Hall, with a Zoom option, to walk people through the plans.

The obvious question is whether there is an upstream fix for milfoil. There is not. The watershed plan is a phosphorus plan, and milfoil does not live on phosphorus. You could hit every nutrient target on the books and the weed would still be rooted in the mud, because it is not a pollutant you reduce. It is an invader you hold back. Once it is established in a lake this size, it’s extremely hard to completely remove, though it is possible.

A well-known example of this success is Shadow Lake in Glover, Vermont, which was completely cleared of Eurasian milfoil after a rigorous, multi-year eradication campaign. It is much harder to remove milfoil from Bantam Lake than from Shadow Lake because Bantam is larger and already heavily infested (including its inlet river and pond), making labor‑intensive hand removal and matting logistically overwhelming

So the chemicals come back every June, and so does the fight. Part of the fight is about the lake, and part of it is about trust.

The people treating the lake are licensed; they work under a permit and apply chemicals at a set dose in specific areas. They also know the treatment only works for a summer, not a permanent fix. Copper can knock back cyanobacteria for the season. Herbicide can clear milfoil from the coves. Neither one fixes the lake by itself.

People questioning the treatments are not wrong for reading the labels closely. Diquat is banned in Europe, and new research on organ damage is enough reason for people to ask what the exposure actually is in a treated lake. Some claims in the comments went too far: diquat is not a known human carcinogen, and the treatment does not kill everything in the lake. But a permit is not proof that no one should ask questions or remain skeptical.

Bantam has two separate problems. Phosphorus feeds the cyanobacteria, and that can be reduced by fixing runoff. Milfoil is different. It is already rooted in the lake. Treat it, and it dies back. Stop treating it, and it spreads. That’s the dilemma we’re in.

So the choice is not just chemicals or no chemicals. The questions are: what is being used, where, how much, how often, what are the risks, and what is being fixed outside the lake before next summer.

Most of the algae comes from excess fertilizer‑type nutrients washing into the lake from the surrounding land. DEEP’s upstream work focuses on reducing how much of that stuff gets into the water in the first place.

From what we know now and the EPA’s own reviews, using diquat in the lake at the allowed doses seems to work well against milfoil and is unlikely to harm swimmers. At the same time, it’s still reasonable to worry about using it too often and to ask hard questions about how strong the science behind those safety limits really is.

[1] Diquat banned in the EU, UK, and Switzerland → https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/diquat-dibromide
(or the EU non-renewal, Reg. (EU) 2018/1532)

[2] Diquat binds to soil and sediment rather than staying in the water → https://archive.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/web/html/diquat_tred_fs.html

[3] EPA’s swimmer-exposure assessment for diquat-treated water → same EPA TRED link as [2]. Note: cited as the source of the “safe level,” not as the last word on it.

[4] EPA’s recommended recreational swimming limit for microcystins is 8 micrograms per liter → https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-recommendations-recreational-water-quality-criteria-and-swimming-advisories

[5] DEEP’s approved Bantam Lake nutrient TMDL and Watershed-Based Plan (a phosphorus/algae plan; it does not address the milfoil) → https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Water/Watershed-Management/Bantam-Lake-Watershed-Projects

[6] Review linking diquat to gut, liver, kidney, and lung damage → He C, et al. “Effect of diquat on gut health: molecular mechanisms, toxic effects, and protective strategies.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1562182/full

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75° / 56° • 🌦️ Morning rain, then clouds giving way to sunshine

White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield – Slow down and experience nature through a child's eyes during this guided outdoor adventure with Kelly Orr. Young explorers and their caregivers will discover blooming flowers, curious insects, rocks, and woodland wonders while enjoying a fun and engaging morning in the great outdoors. 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM EXPLORE TOGETHER

DaCapo, Litchfield – Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine while supporting a meaningful cause during this community fundraising event. Gather with friends and neighbors for a delicious meal that gives back to the local community. 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM DINE FOR GOOD

79° / 55° • ☀️ Mostly Sunny

Kent Commons Park, Kent – Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, this welcoming drop-in pickleball session is a great way to stay active and connect with fellow players. All skill levels are encouraged to join, with spare paddles and balls available on-site. Adults 18 and older can enjoy friendly matches, learn the game, and discover one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM PICKLEBALL & PLAY

Litchfield Green, Litchfield – Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a summer evening of live music on the Green as Wooden Horse takes the stage. This free community concert is part of the beloved Litchfield Park & Recreation Summer Concert Series and offers a perfect midweek outing for all ages. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MUSIC ON THE GREEN

79° / 61° • ☁️ Cloudy

Troutbeck, Amenia – Experience the opening reception of Echoes in the Margin, a thought-provoking solo exhibition by acclaimed artist Delano Dunn, curated by Mickalene Thomas. Presented in collaboration with the Wassaic Project, the exhibition explores themes of Black identity, history, and representation through Dunn’s vibrant and layered artistic practice. Guests are invited to celebrate contemporary art, cultural dialogue, and community connection in the scenic Hudson Valley setting of Troutbeck. Free admission with RSVP. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EXPLORE ART & CULTURE

South Farms, Morris – Gather on the lawn for another memorable evening of live music, great food, and community during The Social at South Farms. Enjoy chef-prepared dinners, wood-fired pizza, desserts, drinks, and a live performance by Eventide in one of Litchfield County's most picturesque settings. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM GATHER & GROOVE

The White Hart, Salisbury – Enjoy an evening of exceptional dining while giving back to a meaningful local cause. Dine at this historic Salisbury inn and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Housatonic Valley Association, supporting the protection of the region’s lands, rivers, and natural resources. Gather friends and family for a memorable meal that helps preserve the beauty of the Housatonic River Valley for generations to come. 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM DINE FOR CONSERVATION

71° / 57° • 🌦️ Cloudy with possible showers

Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds, Millbrook – Elevate your skills during the prestigious Orvis Shotgun Classic, a two-day immersive experience led by some of the most respected instructors in the shooting sports industry. Designed for participants of all experience levels, the program includes personalized coaching, unlimited clay targets, and exceptional dining throughout the event. Whether you're refining your technique or learning from the best for the first time, this exclusive gathering offers a memorable and rewarding outdoor sporting experience. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM SHOOT WITH THE PROS

Alain White Field, Bantam – Shop fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and handcrafted products from local vendors at this weekly community favorite. Meet local farmers and makers while enjoying a relaxed summer afternoon in Bantam. 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM SHOP LOCAL

Plumb Hill, Litchfield – Celebrate America's birthday and Litchfield's community spirit with an evening of live music, food trucks, sweet treats, and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. Featuring Avenue Groove, family-friendly activities, and plenty of summer fun, this annual celebration is one of the season's most anticipated events. 6:00 PM CELEBRATE UNDER THE STARS

Spring Hill Arts Gathering, New Preston – Kick off the weekend with a Pride celebration and House of Yes takeover featuring Susannah Joffe, The Bad Judies, and Boyyyish. Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and high-energy performances in a festive outdoor setting. SHAG WITH PRIDE

77° / 53° • 🌤️ Partly Sunny

Music Mountain, Falls Village – Kick off Music Mountain's 97th Jazz Season with an unforgettable performance by the acclaimed Christian Sands Trio. Enjoy a dynamic evening honoring the music of Dave Brubeck in one of Connecticut's premier concert venues. 7:00 PM JAZZ THE NIGHT AWAY

Litchfield Community Field, Litchfield – Discover wellness, movement, and healthy living at this community-focused festival featuring local practitioners, fitness activities, wellness resources, and opportunities to connect with others seeking a balanced lifestyle. REFRESH & RECHARGE

Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington – Join Indigenous chef Jason Lamb of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation for a fascinating cooking demonstration exploring traditional and contemporary Native foodways. Sample dishes such as corn cakes, three sisters rice, and sassafras tea while learning about the cultural significance of Indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM TASTE TRADITION

Spring Hill Arts Gathering, New Preston – Experience a full day of live music headlined by Ripe and Reggie Watts, alongside performances from Alphonso Horne and the Gotham Kings and YoungArts alumni. Discover an eclectic mix of genres and world-class talent in a uniquely creative atmosphere. ROCK THE HILLS

76° / 55° • ☁️ Mostly Cloudy

Music Mountain, Falls Village – Experience an afternoon of exceptional chamber music featuring renowned pianist Misha Dichter and the award-winning Balourdet Quartet. The program includes works by Ravel, Nicky Sohn, and Brahms performed in the historic Gordon Hall. 3:00 PM EXPERIENCE CHAMBER MUSIC

Litchfield History Museum, Litchfield – Step back in time on this guided walking tour exploring the artists who helped shape Litchfield's rich cultural heritage. Discover the stories, studios, and creative influences that have made the town a destination for artists through the generations. 1:00 PM WALK THROUGH ART HISTORY

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem – Stroll the grounds for Connecticut Historic Gardens Day, with plein air painters working throughout the historic formal garden. At 4:00 PM, the house will host a pop-up art show featuring paintings made at Bellamy-Ferriday over the four Sundays in June. Refreshments served. 11:30 AM–4:00 PM CELEBRATE HISTORIC GARDENS

Spring Hill Arts Gathering, New Preston – Bring the whole family for a day of music, art, and hands-on activities featuring Stretch Armstrong, Rock & Roll Playhouse, and children's art programming by the Washington Art Association. It's a fun-filled celebration designed for all ages. FAMILY FUN AWAITS

69° / 62° • 🌧️ Rain

White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield – Families can enjoy free museum admission for children twelve and under during this special week-long celebration honoring Louise W. Willson. Explore fascinating exhibits, learn about local wildlife, and discover the natural history of the region together. June 29 – July 5, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM DISCOVER & EXPLORE

KidsPlay Children's Museum, Torrington – Young nature lovers are invited to join the Housatonic Valley Association for an interactive story time inspired by Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers. Children will learn about the importance of local forests, discover how trees support wildlife and healthy ecosystems, and enjoy a hands-on activity planting native flower and tree seeds to take home. Admission to the museum includes participation in this special program, recommended for ages 4–10.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GROW WITH NATURE