Carolina Beach Lake is a watershed. A watershed is a region draining into a river, river system, lake or other body of water.
The Lake watershed is over 250 acres (about the total floor space of the Pentagon).
The Lake is just over 10 acres (about half the area of Chicago's Millennium Park).
The distance around the lake is .67 miles.
Carolina Beach Lake is a freshwater lake with saltwater infiltration. This means there are freshwater fish as well as crabs and shrimp in the lake.
To lower the Lake level after a rain event, the Lake is mechanically pumped out to Henniker's Ditch which drains to the Cape Fear River.
The Lake is 4 feet deep at the deepest points.
The fountains in the Lake are not just for aesthetics. They aid in the aeration of the Lake water which benefits aquatic life.
An aquatic dye is applied to the water to produce a blue tint. This dye is environmentally friendly and acts as a sunscreen for the water by blocking some of the sun’s rays and discouraging algae and unwanted weed growth.
Not So Fun Stormwater Facts:
Fertilizer (excess nutrients) cause algae in water to bloom. When algae die it sinks to the bottom where it decomposes, removing oxygen from the water and kills fish and aquatic plants.
Debris (litter) such as plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles and cigarette butts washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate or disable aquatic life such as ducks, fish, turtles and birds.
House Hold Hazardous Waste (paint, insecticide, auto fluids) can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
The #1 cause of water pollution in North Carolina is polluted stormwater runoff. In North Carolina most stormwater runoff either does not receive any treatment before it enters our waterways, or it is inadequately treated.
Pet waste carries bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause diseases in people. Fecal contamination can cause closings of beaches and shellfish beds. Bag your pet waste and dispose of it in your garbage can.
Stormwater runoff from your yard eventually ends up in the rivers, lakes and oceans.
