HARMING THE LAKE ENVIRONMENT

Wake Surfing: Wave Impact Study on Lake Waramaug by Terra Vigilis

Churning up Sediments and Destroying Plants: The giant wake generated to wake surf churns up sediment as deep as 26 feet disturbing fish habitats, releasing built-up toxins, and contributing to algae blooms, which cloud the water and harm wildlife. It threatens the entire ecological balance of the lake. 

Shoreline Erosion:  The powerful waves crash onto the shoreline, swamping areas and accelerating erosion. This can cause immediate and dramatic damage. A lake's shore way evolves over a long period of time in response to many natural environmental factors -- lake contour, size, depth, as well as weather and wind. Unnaturally large waves can disrupt the balance of the lake and its shoreline. Sensitive natural habitats for aquatic plants and animals are disturbed. Public and private property is subject to unnatural erosion and damage. This impact can happen fast and can be irreversible.  

Anti-freeze released into the lake: Wake boat manufacturers require that ballast systems be stored for the winter with water and antifreeze in the ballasts. When the boats are launched, at least one manufacturer instructs owners to flush the  water and antifreeze into the lake.  

Invasive species:  The internal ballast systems on wake boats retain water and can potentially transport aquatic invasive species from one water body to another. These invasive species have the potential to alter ecosystems by reducing or eliminating native species.