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Witches Woods reports brief E. coli spike, urges no fertilizer and discourages feeding geese
Summary
Board reported a July testing event showing elevated E. coli at two beaches that returned to safe levels on retest; the district recommends against fertilizer use near the lake, discourages feeding waterfowl, and will continue seasonal MicroBac testing and Solitude Lake Management surveys.
John Barber, who oversees Lakes, Dams and Beaches, told the annual meeting that MicroBac testing last July found E. coli above safe limits at two beaches but that a retest less than a week later returned levels within safe limits. Barber attributed the brief elevation to heavy rains that caused runoff into the lake and said the district notifies residents by email and signage when tests exceed safe levels.
Barber said MicroBac will again test in mid-July and mid-August, and the district is in the first year of a three‑year contract with Solitude Lake Management to survey the lake in early/mid‑June and mid‑September; based on the early survey last year an herbicide treatment was done July 11 focused on two ends of the lake where plant growth was heaviest. Solitude will send postal notifications if treatment is needed, and the board will follow up with email notices.
On geese and nutrient sources, Barber reiterated district guidance that residents should not feed waterfowl and should minimize runoffable fertilizers. “It has already been strongly recommended in the lake’s Rules and Ordinances that homeowners refrain from using chemical fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides on their properties,” Barber said, adding that phosphate‑free or slow‑release fertilizers and avoiding application before heavy rain are safer options; he also said no fertilizer should be used in July or August. Residents offered a range of reactions—some requested more frequent testing or stricter bans; the board said it wants to be well informed before imposing mandates and is consulting experts.
Barber also reminded members of the required five‑year dam inspection cycle (last done in 2020); volunteers completed follow‑up work after the last inspection, but the upcoming inspection may require vegetation removal or paid work depending on scope.
Next steps: scheduled MicroBac testing, continued lake surveys by Solitude, and outreach to residents about fertilizer practices and geese deterrence techniques.
