2025 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Bethany Lake

Transect Data | Water Data

Lake Bethany is a 100-acre reservoir and recreation area owned and managed by the South Central Regional Water Authority. The area around the reservoir is heavily forested, and there is a 61-foot dam on the southern side of Hatfield Hill Road. Hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing on any of the five hiking trails require an RWA permit. The deepest part of the reservoir is around 50 feet near the dam, while the northern end is relatively shallow.

CAES OAIS surveyed Lake Bethany for the first time on July 15–16, 2025. A total of 17 native species were documented. The only invasive species was phragmites (Phragmites australis), which occurred in small patches along the northern and southern shores. The three most abundant species were spikerush (Eleocharis species), waterwort (Elatine species), and primrose-willow (Ludwigia species), which were predominant on the eastern side of the lake and in the northern coves. Swamp loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus) and cattail (Typha species) were found sparsely along the shoreline. Ribbon-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus) and Berchtold’s pondweed (Potamogeton berchtoldii) were found in dense patches at the northern end of the reservoir, growing in relatively shallow water. Common bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris) often co-occurs with phragmites.

The western side of the reservoir is relatively deep, with spikerush, primrose-willow, swamp loosestrife, and Berchtold’s pondweed occurring in small, sporadic patches. The eastern side of Lake Bethany was dominated by large patches of spikerush and waterwort.

Other species found throughout the reservoir included bur-reed (Sparganium species), low watermilfoil (Myriophyllum humile), lesser bladderwort (Utricularia minor), slender naiad (Najas flexilis), white water lily (Nymphaea odorata), marsh mermaid weed (Proserpinaca palustris), thread-leaf naiad (Najas gracillima), arrowhead (Sagittaria species), and quillwort (Isoetes species).