Lake Anna is a 13,000 acre reservoir in the rolling fields and forested triangle formed by the cities of Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and Richmond, Virginia. The lake was created by Virginia Electric and Power Company, now Dominion Energy, Inc., in 1972 to serve as a recreational lake and provide cooling water for the North Anna Power Station.
HAB Update and recent swim advisory
It has become apparent that a primary reason for lack of attention and funding to address algae blooms at Lake Anna is simply that not enough people are reporting the green algae scum that they see to the Virginia Department of Health Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force. The recent DEQ report on "Harmful Algae Blooms in Virginia" actually calls out this low volume of reports, implying that it is a complaint-driven system. Let’s help them out by using the HAB Online Report Form!
Citizen reports called “Crowd-Sourced Reports” are displayed on the VDH HAB Map online, represented by blue dots on the map. There are only 14 blue dots so far on the 2021 HAB Map. But certainly more than 11 citizens have seen green scum and potential HAB at Lake Anna this year. Since 2017, there have been only 80 blue dots in total for citizen reports, an average of 16 reports per year.
Even if a "No-Swim Advisory" is in place near your property, you should continue making additional Crowd-Sourced Reports utilizing the same HAB Online Report Form to demonstrate the level of concern and demand for action. A weekly update is appropriate. LACA will be working with VDH to improve our methods of communicating current conditions on the lake through the use of simple mapping tools with images to document current conditions. We will post these methods once we finalize the process with VDH.
Please report current conditions - a report that documents a past condition (defined as greater than 48 hours in the past) will be rejected by VDH. Submit reports to VDH using the online reporting form within 24-48 hours of the algae scum condition.
Geographic coordinates are required when you submit a report. You can use Google Maps, or other mapping tools, to provide the latitude and longitude of the location.
Also - and this is very important - include a picture of the algae/scum condition with your report.
You can report green scum or signs of algae at this link.
You can also view the current "No Swim Advisory" and reports of the algae scum at this link.
The current VDH HAB report is linked here.
Water QualityLACA's Water Quality (WQ) team and Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regularly monitor the lake and streams in the watershed. DEQ monitors the lake on a monthly basis. LACA monitors water quality parameters four times a year in April, June, August and October. LACA also works with DEQ and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to monitor for harmful algae blooms. Our algae and water quality data are available in the WQ Data pages. |
Environmental Preservation An expansion of the former LACA Environmental Education Committee, the Environmental Preservation Committee has turned its focus on the causes of the recent Harmful Algae Blooms, potential remediation and possible solutions to the issue. As a result they are also looking at other detrimental impacts to the beauty and enjoyment of Lake Anna. Learn more about these important issues and ways you can help by clicking here. |
LACA Annual Fireworks DisplayThe 2021 fireworks show was a rousing success. Thanks to all our faithful donors and volunteers who make the yearly display happen. Please click here to learn more about our fireworks show. To support the annual shoot by donating, click here. |
Emergency Services & SafetyAs the summer boating season begins, there are numerous things you should check before heading out on the lake. In addition to ensuring your boat is in good operating condition, you should make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment on board. There are other tips to keep you and your passengers and others safe. The committee also encourages everyone to be aware of your surroundings and know the various 911 emergency markings such as the bridge signs, yellow dock signs and island signs. To learn more click here |
Land UseFour Seasons Resort at Lake Anna is a planned RV Resort with 300 lots along the Upper Pamunkey Creek near the Route 522 Bridge. The developers have proposed a marina, a boat launch, a swimming area and 300 on-water boat slips. The land is currently zoned R-A or Resort-Agriculture. To proceed, the developer is requesting a Special Use Permit from Spotsylvania County. There is currently a virtual community meeting being held and feedback is being requested. Feedback must be received by March 1st, 2021. To learn more about this proposal and LACA commentary, please click here. |
|
Member Benefits
|
LACA Business Partners
Upcoming events
| Newsletter Articles
|
Fireworks Goal
Help us reach our 2021 Goal! 100% of the cost of the annual Fireworks show comes from your generous donations.
123%
|