The organization is comprised of fifteen members; three delegates from each of the five towns. Each delegate is a resident elector of his/her community and appointed for a three year term. As a delegate, he/she has one vote on any matter brought before the CLA.
The CLA is funded annually by equal appropriations from its member communities and a matching donation from Northeast Utilities. Additional income is generated via state and federal grants and through donations from the users of Candlewood Lake (like You). Your tax deductable donation can be sent to The Candlewood Lake Authority at P.O. Box 37 Sherman, CT 06784 their phone # is (860) 354-6928

Currently the Candlewood Lake Authority meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm in the Brookfield Town Hall.

CLA Newsletter
A newsletter is published spring & fall and distributed by the CLA to all watershed residents, lake users and others interested in Candlewood Lake. This letter traces the roots of the lake, gives tips on keeping the water clean, discusses the lakes ecosystem and overviews the CLA programs, research and current activities.

Lake Patrol (Watchdog)
The CLA maintains a lake patrol seasonally under the supervision of the Dept. of Environmental Protection. The purpose of the patrol is to promote boating safety through education and enforcement of state boating laws. Patrol duties also include boat inspections, first aid and 24 hour search and rescue. The patrol currently monitors channel 16 on vhf radio for emergencies.
Hazard and Speed Buoys

Please note: The rules in this bulletin are not a complete listing of Connecticut boating safety statuates and regulations. A more detailed summary of state boating laws is contained in a pamphlet entitled "Connecticut Boater's Guide". Contact the DEP if you would like a copy.
With the approval of the DEP the CLA has placed buoys marking significant navigational hazards (dangerous rocks & shoals). Boaters should be aware; however, that every rock in the lake cannot be marked. Therefore, boaters must always exercise caution when on the water and be on the watch for additional hazards. It is important to remember that as a pump storage hydro-power facility the lake levels can fluctuate during the year. In addition to hazard buoys, the CLA also places buoys designating restricted speed areas of six miles per hour (6mph) or less in several areas for safety reasons.

Bacteria Monitoring
The CLA conducts weekly testing of the lake throughout the summer. Test results are submitted to the local public health departments and released to the local media and this site.

Lake Water Quality Management
Several CLA programs have been implemented to help document and stop lake pollution, and manage aquatic weed overgrowth. These efforts include: on going monitoring of water quality parameters to detect trends and changes, coordination with Northeast Utilities for winter lake level drawdown for weed control. The current program calls for a deep drawdown every other year during the winter time.

Personal Floatation Devices(P.F.D.'s)
On vessels 16 feet or over in length: one Type I, II, III or V P.F.D. (wearable) for each person on board and one Type IV (throwable) in each vessel. On boats less than 16 feet and all canoes: one Type I, II, III or V P.F.D. for each person. All P.F.D.'s must be Coast Guard Approved, readily available, in serviceable condition and of proper size.

Lights And Sound
Every motorboat shall have its engine equipped with an effective muffling device and all boats 16 feet and over must carry some means of producing an efficient sound signal. Any boat used between sunset and sunrise must show the lights required by law.

Waterskiing
No person is allowed to operate a motorboat towing a skier unless there is an additional person in the boat of at least 12 years of age to act as an observer. Waterskiing is not permitted on Connecticut waters from one half hour after sunset until sunrise, or when weather conditions restrict normal visibility to less than one hundred yards. Skiers must wear a P.F.D. at all times.

Speed Limits
There is a (45 mph) daytime speed limit and a (25 mph) night-time speed limit from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise in effect on Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond. A (6 mph) speed limit is in effect within one hundred feet of shore, dock, moored vessel, etc. Other special areas restricted to (6 mph) are marked with buoys.

Fire Extinguishers
All inboards and boats with outboards which have one or more of the following conditions, must have approved fire extinguishers aboard: a. closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored; b. double seat bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material; c. closed living spaces; d. closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored; e. permanently installed fuel tanks.

Registration
All boats with motors regardless of size, and sailboats powered by sail alone that are 19.5 feet in legth and over, must be registered and properly numbered before launching. Boats are registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registrations expireannually on April 30 and must be renewed. Vessels registered in other states that use Connecticut waters for more than 60 days during a calendar year must be registered in Connecticut. Boat numbers must be at least 3 inches high, contrasting in color to background and of block form. They must be painted on or attatched to the port and starboard bow, positioned to be distinctly visible and legible from at least 100 feet away. Validation decals must be placed 2 inches to the right of the assigned boat number.

Boating Courses
The Department of Environmental Protection also gives courses in other locations in the state. Call the Office of Boating at (860) 434 - 8638 for information.

The Candlewood Power Squadron regularly offers courses for boaters . Call (203)791 - 9597 for information.

FOR EMERGENCIES ONTHE LAKE CALL 911
or THE DEP AT (860) 424-3333

CONNECTICUT BOATING LAW PROHIBITS YOU FROM:
1. Overloading vessel.

2.. Operating recklessly to endanger person or property.

3. Creating hazardous wakes.

4.Operating motorboat faster than 6 mph within 100 feet of shore, pier, anchored vessel, etc.

5. Sitting or standing on bow or gunwales.

CONNECTICUT BOATING LAW REQUIRES YOU TO:
1. Proceed at a moderate speed in narrow channels, anchorages, and congested areas.

2. Proceed at minimum speeds near public beaches.

3. Remain at least 100 feet from SCUBA flag (red with white diagonal stripe).

4. Render assistance if you are involved in a collision.

5. Have a SAFE BOATING CERTIFICATE to operate a motorboat and live or own property in CT.

6. All children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while in the boat.

CONNECTICUT WATERSKIING LAW REQUIRES:
1. Must have observer at least 12 years of age in towboat, who shall communicate with boat operator and skier at all times using authorized signals.

2. Skier must wear approved life saving device.

3. Towboat cannot operate faster than 6 mph within 100 feet of shore, pier, or vessel except when taking off or landing waterskier.

4. Towboat or skier cannot threaten to strike person or property.

5. All towed devices must be approved type (no truck tire tubes).

6. No tow ropes over 75 feet

SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON VESSELS:
1. Approved life saving device for each person on board and a throwable device if boat is 16 feet and over.
2. Effective muffler(s) on motor.

3. Ventilating equipment and flame arrestor.

4. Fire extinguishers.

Anti-Littering laws are enforced on all waters and shore areas.

The Candlewood Lake Authority is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the health of Candlewood lake and the safety of those who frequent it. If we all pitch in we can ensure that future generations will also be able to experience an afternoon on Candlewood.