Friends of Lake Pocotopaug an East Hampton volunteer non profit group, has initiated a test project in the waters of Lake Pocotopaug. Four Ultrasonic Algae Control units are being installed to test their potential for controlling the growth of algae in the lake.

Dr. Jack Solomon a member and Environmental Officer for the group is spearheading the project. Dr. Solomon is also a member of East Hampton’s Lake Commission. Jack explained that these electrical units transmit a complex pattern of ultrasonic vibrations through the water in a radius of 176 degrees and a range of 400 meters. These vibrations cause the vacuoles inside the algae cells to resonate and break, similar to a glass breaking from a high pitch sound. Once broken these algae cells no longer have the ability to grow or reproduce, and they die. The vibrations emitted from the units are harmless to humans, animals, fish and aquatic plants.

Three of these units costing approximately $3,000 each were purchased by Friends of Lake Pocotopaug, the fourth by Dr. and Mrs. Solomon. All have been installed in the lake, in front of private property. The units require a GFI power supply at the shoreline.

Mark Recor a local licensed electrician has volunteered his services in installing the power supply. The property owner is responsible for the control unit’s electrical consumption which is approximately $20 a year. If this test project proves successful, it is estimated that thirty units will be necessary to provide complete coverage of Lake Pocotopaug.

The East Hampton Lake Commission has endorsed this project and will perform the monitoring of the algae in the area protected by the ultrasonic devices.  A group of East Hampton High School students, under the guidance of science teacher Roger Abraham, will assist in the monitoring effort.

Friends of Lake Pocotopaug have been in existence for four years and have raised over $70,000 directed to lake water quality issues. This year, their major fundraiser is a pontoon boat raffle. Tickets can be purchased at Angelicos Lakehouse Restaurant, West Shore Marine, Paul’s and Sandy’s Too as well as many other local businesses.