2015 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of MDC Reservoir 1

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Transect Data (110 KB, .pdf format*)  | Water Data

       The Metropolitan District Commission Reservoir 1 is a 27 acre water body located in West Hartford, CT.  The reservoir is surrounded by open space with the eastern shore is boarded by Farmington Avenue and some trees along the western shore.  

       The 2015 CAES IAPP survey found 9 aquatic plant species including the invasive species Trapa natans (water chestnut) and Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian watermilfoil).  The T. natans was found in large patches along the shoreline with the biggest patch found on the western shore along transect 2.  There were also dense patches on the northern shore by transect 3 and on the eastern shore.  M. spicatum was also found in a few small clusters along the eastern shore.

       The most abundant species found was low laying native Ceratophyllum demersum (coontail) occasionally visible from the surface, but mostly found by grapple toss. Other natives present were Elodea nuttallii (western waterweed), Potamogeton gramineus (variable pondweed), and small amounts of Potamogeton amplifolious (large leafed pondweed).

      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. Both water chestnut and  Eurasian 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 to control water chestnut (glyphosate,2,4-D, imazamox) and Eurasian 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 was poor with a Secchi measurement of only 1.3 m . An accumulation of phosphorus (P) in the bottom water (6 m) was apparent with 244 ppb compared to only 10 ppb  at the surface (0.5 m).  During wind and storm events the deep water P could mix into the surface water and cause an algal bloom. 

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