Reservoir 6, West Hartford

Metropolitan District Commission


MDC 6

MDC 6



2015 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of MDC Reservoir 6

(2.6 MB, .pdf format*)


Transect Data (213 KB, .pdf format*)  | Water Data


       The Metropolitan District Commission Reservoir 6 is a 135 acre water body located in West Hartford, CT.  Much of the shoreline is forested with a public walking trail that loops around the reservoir. 

       The 2015 CAES IAPP survey found 15 aquatic plant species including the invasive species Myriophyllum heterophyllum (variable watermilfoil).  M. heterophyllum was the most dominant species found throughout the reservoir and was present in up to five meters of water. The plant occurred on 41% of transect points.

       Several shoreline natives were found in the northern and southern shallow portions of the reservoir including Elatine sp. (waterwort), Eleocharis sp. (spikerush), Gratiola aurea (golden hedge-hyssop), Isoetes sp. (quillwort), Ludwigia sp. (water primrose), and Sagittaria sp. (arrowhead). Other native species found were Elodea nuttallii (western waterweed), Potamogeton amplifolious (large-leafed pondweed), Potamogeton pusillus (small pondweed), and Utricularia radiata (floating bladderwort).

       Options for controlling invasive aquatic plants in reservoirs are limited because of the need to protect water purity. Hand or mechanical harvesting, although labor intensive, is well suited to these water bodies. Variable watermilfoil can be harvested. The introduction of plant eating grass carp could be performed if CTDEEP fisheries guidelines are met and a permit is procured. Winter water level drawdown to expose the sediment and freeze the plants, if feasible,  is also an option.  Damage to non-target organisms by winter drawdown is particularly problematic. Many chemical herbicides are available variable watermilfoil (2,4-D, triclopyr, fluridone, diquat, flumioxazn etc.). Use in reservoirs or water bodies that drain into reservoirs is very restricted.
   Transparency in the reservoir 6 was excellent with a Secchi measurement of  6.0 m.  Phosphorus (P) in the both the surface and bottom water were very low (1 and 10 ppb respectively). These characteristics indicate an infertile (oligotrophic) condition.

Find Common Plant Names

(65 KB, .pdf format)

Species recorded in our 2015 survey of MDC Reservoir 6.  Click on plant name to view herbarium mount. (Invasive species in bold)
Ludwigia species
Najas flexilis
Potamogeton pusillus



*NOTE: Some of these documents are provided in Adobe® Acrobat® (.pdf) format. In order to view or print these documents you need Adobe® Reader®.  If you do not have Adobe® Reader®, click the "Get Adobe® Reader®" image for a free copy


Get Adobe Reader