Why was Lake Anna created?
In 1971, Lake Anna was created to serve as a source of cooling water for Virginia Power’s (now called Dominion) North Anna One and Two nuclear reactors. Creating the lake was accomplished by building a 90-foot high earth and rock dam on the North Anna River near Bumpass. Currently no swimming advisory is in place at Lake Anna, but when in doubt, stay out. Avoid swimming if the water is discolored or smelly, or if there is algae present.This massive reservoir was impounded in 1971 as a cooling lake for the North Anna Nuclear Power Facility and has been attracting interesting wildlife ever since. Due to the warming effects of the power plant and the reservoir’s large size, it is usually the last freshwater reservoir to freeze in the winter.Lake Water vs Nuclear Plant: A Complete Safety Guide I often joke with clients about glowing skin after swimming in Lake Anna (spoiler alert: it doesn’t happen). Here’s why: the lake water never comes into contact with anything nuclear. Ever.Water entering the lake on the south side has been heated in the Lake Anna nuclear power plant, as it cools the team boilers that generate electricity. Discharge into the lake creates a hot side on the southern edge of Lake Anna.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Anne?
No, swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes due to safety concerns. Our lakes are man-made stormwater retention basins that receive unfiltered, untreated runoff from the community that contains many contaminants such as oil, pet waste and fertilizers. The lake’s average depth of 14 feet and limited water hazards make it safer to explore! Close to Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, 72 miles south of Washington D. C. Virginia, Lake Anna is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state.Anyone that uses Lake Anna for recreational purposes knows that the upper parts of the lake have been under recreational advisories issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) each year since 2018 due to cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs).Currently no swimming advisory is in place at Lake Anna, but when in doubt, stay out. Avoid swimming if the water is discolored or smelly, or if there is algae present. Check SwimHealthyVA.
How deep is Lake Anna?
The lake’s average depth of 14 feet and limited water hazards make it safer to explore! Close to Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, 72 miles south of Washington D. C. Virginia, Lake Anna is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state. Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater and inland lakes in Virginia, covering an area of 13,000 acres. It is located 72 miles south of Washington, D. C. Louisa and Spotsylvania counties, with its’ norther tips reaching into Orange County.Lake Anna, VA’s deepest point is 80 feet, which is only half the width of a football field, and a quarter the length from goal to goal. In comparison, Smith Mountain Lake in southwest Virginia, is 250 feet deep, which is almost two times the length of a football field. Lake Anna’s maximum length is 17 miles.
Does Lake Anna have a beach?
Lake Anna State Park opened to the public in July 1983. The park features a guarded swimming beach, an accessible fishing pond, and a boat ramp. While boating and fishing on this beautiful lake are major attractions, these are only some of the park’s offerings. Anglers at Lake Anna often pursue three primary species: crappie, largemouth bass, and striped bass. The lake’s ecosystem supports healthy populations of these fish, providing ample opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen to enjoy a fruitful day on the water.They will bite most lures intended for bass or striper, especially small swimbaits, live shad or herring and topwater plugs. Other common fish you can catch in lake anna include channel catfish, bullhead catfish, yellow perch, white perch, snakehead and many sunfish species.They will bite most lures intended for bass or striper, especially small swimbaits, live shad or herring and topwater plugs. Other common fish you can catch in Lake Anna include channel catfish, bullhead catfish, yellow perch, white perch, snakehead and many sunfish species.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Anna?
Currently no swimming advisory is in place at Lake Anna, but when in doubt, stay out. Avoid swimming if the water is discolored or smelly, or if there is algae present. Check SwimHealthyVA. Is Lake Marion Safe for Swimming? Yes, there is even a dedicated beach for swimming in Santee State Park. In addition to fishing and swimming, Lake Marion is perfect for water activities, such as cruising in your boat or canoeing across the lake.No, swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes due to safety concerns. Our lakes are man-made stormwater retention basins that receive unfiltered, untreated runoff from the community that contains many contaminants such as oil, pet waste and fertilizers.