SO MUCH GAINED, SO MUCH TO LOSE.

Lake Waramaug is a marvel of ecological recovery.

Starting in the 1950s, the lake began a slow ecological decline. Across the decades into the early 1980s, eutrophication (the gradual dying of a lake) accelerated dramatically. The lake was plagued by toxic algae blooms, cyanobacteria, and fish kill events. Recreational activities on the lake were severely curtailed, real estate values fell, and the future of the lake’s future looked bleak.

Thanks to the independent and collective efforts of the Lake Waramaug Task Force (Task Force), Lake Waramaug Association (Association), and Lake Waramaug Authority (Authority), the lake has been restored to a healthier state.

For more than fifty years, these leading lake organizations have been laser focused on restoring and preserving the lake environment as well as protecting individuals who use the lake for recreation.

In 2025, the Task Forced released a State of the Lake report that described an overall positive long-term picture with some caveats: “Data indicate long term and overall improvement of water quality in Lake Waramaug, with recent years exhibiting high variability and perhaps a slight decline per our indices, albeit from very good levels achieved in the past few decades. With the data available it is unfortunately impossible to ascribe changes in water quality to any one cause, be it wake surfing or other motorized recreational activity, weather events, or property development.” 

 Key accomplishments:

  • 1978: Task Force designed the first comprehensive Lake Waramaug Watershed Management Plan and raised initial funding from public grants and private matching funds. Over the last 50 years, it has  invested tens of millions of dollars of public and private monies to rejuvenate lake water quality.

  • 1989: Task Force develops and installs innovative 2.0 million gal/day dual layer aeration systems in 1989;  upgraded in recent years to solar powered versions

  • 1990s: Task Force creates zooplankton farm on Arrow Point in add healthy organisms to the lake.

  • 2000: Lake Waramaug is recognized as Connecticut’s first Heritage Lake because of its significant environmental features, including water quality, cultural importance, and scenic beauty.      

  • 2000s: Lake Waramaug Watershed Agricultural Waste Management System approved and funded by the three bordering Towns, CT DEEP, US EPA, Dept. of Agriculture & LWTF

  • 2004: The coalition of the three lake entities negotiates an agreement with the DEEP and completes construction of an upgraded public boat ramp.

  • The Authority forges a partnership with the DEEP and Town of Washington Recreation on the boat inspection certification system to prevent invasive species at the public ramp.

  • 2014: Slow wake-no wake zone ordinance agreement approved by towns and CT DEEP.

  • 2010s: Task Force adopts GPS tracking capabilities to monitor invasive plant species.

  • 2016: Seaplanes are restricted from landing or taking off from the lake.

  • Authority initiates safe boater and driver educational campaigns.

  • Authority promotes septic system inspections and compliance.

  • Task Force and Authority promote shoreline improvement programs.

  • April 2025 the Task Force publishes a State of the Lake report summarizing lake water quality data for the last 48 years.