Natick Residents Debate Weed Killer's Effect On Water From Lake Cochituate
NATICK (CBS) – A controversial herbicide is stirring up debate in Natick, where it will be used to control heavy vegetation at Lake Cochituate.
Residents have strong feelings both for and against use of the herbicide diquat.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
Ann Karnofsky of Natick says there are enough questions about diquat to make it a public health concern. "When they finally realize these chemicals cause Parkinson's disease and cancer and mutations in wildlife, maybe they'll get smart and stop using it," she said.
As a precaution, Natick officials are switching there water from wells near Lake Cochituate to wells that draw from the Charles River for three days while the state applies the herbicide to the lake.
Karnofsky said the closing of the wells near Lake Cochituate is evidence the town has some concerns.
Other residents say diquat has been used in other communities without harming the water supply. And they say the high weeds are depriving people of enjoying the lake for swimming, fishing and boating.
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