Frequently Asked Questions

What types of weeds get treated?
Clean Lakes primarily treats filamentous algae and Eurasian water milfoil. Both interfere with summer activities because they grow very tall and spread quickly.

When do you treat the lakes?
The treatments are done when the weeds are growing and when the water is warm enough for the herbicide to work properly. This is usually the middle to the end of June for Lakes Monona and Waubesa and about a week later for Lake Mendota. The DNR decides when the lakes are treated each year. Clean Lakes Associates will post the treatment dates on the web site once the dates have been planned. You may also call us at (608) 221-1156 after 6 PM for a recorded announcement.

Remember to post your information on your pier or the DNR will not allow treatment!

How far from the shoreline do you treat the weeds?
The treated area can extend 100 feet out from your shoreline.

How long does it take for the weeds to die after treatment?
It usually takes 10-14 days after treatment for the weeds to die.

Is the weed treatment safe?
The products used are registered for use in lakes by federal and state agencies. Studies conducted by the UW-Zoology department have shown no direct toxicity to fish by the treatments. These agencies have determined that the benefits exceed the risks when they are properly applied and the use restrictions are followed.

Are there any restrictions related to the treatment?
There are no fishing or swimming restrictions on any of the products used, although the DNR has us post the area for one day to error on the safe side. There are watering and irregation restrictions for some products we use. Be sure to read the signs that we put on your pier regarding any of these restrictions and leave the signs up for the duration of the waiting period specified on the signs.

Why does your treatment cost less than other firms that have sent us a mailing?
Clean Lakes Associates is operated by a Monona lake property owner who wants to have a quality job done at the lowest possible price. All applicators have to follow the same regulations and use the products that the DNR feels will do the best job. You do not get more by paying a higher price.

Where can I find my pier code?
If you received our mailing, your pier code appears above your address on the mailer. If your pier code was not available or you did not receive a mailing from us, you can obtain your pier code from your local municipal office.

Can I sign up after the deadline?
No. Once we give the sign-up list to the DNR, we cannot add more names. Don't miss the deadline!

What happens if the weeds don't die after you have treated my shoreline?
There are some plants that the DNR won't allow to be treated and they won't die. These are usually not a nuisance and will not interfere with swimming, boating, or fishing. Usually one treatment will take care of your area for the summer, but if your weeds do not die and the DNR allows another treatment, this will be done at no additional charge.

What if the DNR doesn't allow treatment of my property during the summer?
It is rare, but sometimes your property will not have a nuisance weed or filamentous algae condition during a summer and no treatment is allowed by DNR. Last year, over 95% of our customers were treated. The treatment should be looked at as an insurance policy. If these are nuisance weeds they will be treated. Refunds are not allowed if your property is not treated.