The lake’s ecosystem is not limited to the water. The ecosystem also encompasses the surrounding 790 acres of watershed (a stream network), the shoreline and the lake water. All 3 should be part of a larger proactive preservation effort and plan. A professional firm completed an Historical and Watershed Baseline Report in 2023. Our soil is primarily class C, which is granular and more likely to erode due to stormwater surges. Signs of erosion were identified near the northeastern region of the watershed.
To our favor, they also observed numerous drainage channels leading to buffer zones throughout the eastern region of the watershed. The West region of the watershed included a well-functioning wetland drainage system as well as minimal development (location of Scout camps).
How to keep the watershed and lake’s ecosystem clean
Control Storm Water Run-Off
Not all pollution is “man-made,” but it is often “human-caused” in the form of sedimentation resulting from run-off because of soil disturbance. Stormwater runoff is a large threat to water quality. Rainwater and snowmelt from developed areas have a much lower chance of soaking into the ground or evaporating than natural ecosystems. This stormwater runs off our roofs, driveways, roads and lawns quickly finding its way to the lake. Along its journey to the lake, stormwater picks up many contaminants that can pollute the lake.
West Hill has a surface area of 261 acres and a watershed area of roughly three-times that, or 790 acres. Compared to other CT Lakes, the West Hill Lake watershed is relatively small related to the area and volume of the lake. The runoff from this watershed replaces or flushes the lake about once every four to five years. Any dissolved materials conveyed to the lake from the storm water systems tend to have a long residence time which is the major contributor to the long-term degradation of the lake. Of course, any suspended materials tend to settle in the lake and remain there forever.
What can you do to help minimize stormwater run-off?
Utilize Low Impact Sustainable Development (LISD) On Your Property. See more details on LISD in the How you Can Help, Owner Responsibility section.
