Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

On the Water Recreation - Boating, Fishing and Swimming

Boating, swimming and fishing, popular summer activities in Connecticut, all require clean and safe water.  Every person out on the water has a role in keeping our waters clean.

Boats and Marinas

Action Guide for Boaters (PDF) - Outlines important steps that every boater should  take to minimize the environmental impacts of boating.

Clean Boater Program - Encourages the state’s boaters to learn about and use clean boating techniques.

Connecticut's Clean Marina Program - Voluntary program that encourages inland and coastal marina operators to minimize pollution.

Clean Vessel Act Program / Pumpout Facilities Directory - Find a pumpout facility near you; Also contains information installing or upgrading marine sewage holding tank systems to be in compliance with the existing laws governing marine sanitation devices (MSDs). 

No Discharge Areas - A "No Discharge Area" is a designated body of water that prohibits the discharge of treated and untreated sewage from boats.

Fishing

Fish Consumption Advisory - The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issues a yearly advisory for decreasing fish consumption when chemical levels are unsafe. Fish from Connecticut waters are a good low cost source of protein. Unfortunately, fish can take up (bio-accumulate) chemicals such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that may affect your family’s health.

Fishing Information

Swimming

State Swimming Area Water Quality Report - DEEP conducts weekly indicator bacteria sampling at 22 state-owned and managed swimming areas during the summer in order to assess the sanitary quality of the bathing water.  

Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic Invasive Species - An increasing number of damaging aquatic species are invading the waters of Connecticut.  You can help prevent the spread of problem species by following some simple suggestions.

 

Content last updated February 11, 2020.