New Canaan Announces Change To Kiwanis Pond Water Treatment

NEW CANAAN, CT — The town announced Friday that Kiwanis Pond in New Canaan will no longer be treated with chlorine beginning this summer.

In a news release, New Canaan Director of Parks and Recreation John Howe noted that while chlorination will cease, the town remains fully committed to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of bathing water for all residents.

"To that end, the town will continue to conduct weekly water quality testing throughout the swimming season," Howe said in a news release. "These test results are used to assess water quality and, when necessary, have resulted in temporary closures of Kiwanis Pond."

Additionally, the town will implement a supplemental water quality study this summer to further evaluate pond conditions following significant rainfall events, Howe said.

According to Howe, water samples will be collected whenever more than one-half inch of rainfall occurs within a 24-hour period, with testing conducted Monday through Friday.

If test results exceed the safe bathing criteria established by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Kiwanis Pond will be closed until satisfactory results are obtained. Any closures will be communicated to the public through the town's website and social media channels, Howe said.

"At every step, our priority is public health and safety," Director of Health Amy Lehaney said in a news release. "By continuing routine testing and expanding monitoring after significant rain events, we are ensuring that decisions about pond use are guided by data and sound public health practices."

At the conclusion of the summer season, the town will evaluate the data collected to establish clear, rainfall-based criteria that may be used in the future to temporarily close the pond following heavy rain events, if necessary, to protect public health, Howe said.

"Kiwanis Pond has long been a cherished summer destination for families in New Canaan," Howe said. "These changes allow us to continue offering a clean, natural, and enjoyable swimming experience while maintaining the high standards of safety and care our residents expect."

According to Howe, Kiwanis Pond has been in use for many years and is continuously replenished by an onsite well.

Each spring, the pond is drained, the bottom is cleaned, and the sand is replenished. In addition, the town utilizes a geese management company to help reduce potential water contamination.

The constant inflow of fresh water promotes circulation, while these combined measures help prevent stagnation and support overall water quality, Howe said.

The town of New Canaan remains committed to providing safe and enjoyable recreational amenities while thoughtfully using data-driven practices to guide operational decisions, according to Howe.