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

Press Releases

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09/02/2021

DEEP and DPH Advise Against Swimming or Other Water Contact Recreation Over Next 48 Hours Due to Storm Ida's Impact

(HARTFORD)—Given the significant rainfall that has occurred due to Storm Ida, many areas across the state have experienced discharges of untreated sewage. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising against direct contact with surface water in areas in close proximity to drainage pipes statewide, particularly in urban areas such as Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, Middletown, Meriden, Wallingford, Stamford, Norwalk, Norwich, and the greater New Haven area within 48 hours of the end of the rainfall in Connecticut's streams and rivers.  Residents are advised not to swim, fish, or utilize paddlecraft in these areas. 


Regarding DEEP designated swim areas,DEEP tested water quality at state park swim areas on Monday and Tuesday of this week. For the latest water quality report, please refer to the State Swimming Area Water Quality Report. These test results are the most current, though with the significant amount of rainfall from Storm Ida, DEEP and DPH remind residents that heavy rain events such as this may cause water quality to degrade due to stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows.


Additionally, water levels around the state are very high, with the possibility of strong currents and hazardous debris present in rivers and streams. DEEP advises anyone considering getting on or in rivers and streams to wait until water levels go down. Anyone who is considering water-based recreation in or around moving water should use extreme caution.

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110