Although natural in origin, the surface elevation of the lake has been raised by a small concrete and masonry dam. The surface area of the lake is approximately 656 acres (2.7 km2). The lake has a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 m), an average depth of 22 feet (7 m), and contains approximately 4.8 billion US gallons (18,000,000 m3) of water. The lake is fed by Sucker Brook (Lake Waramaug Brook), numerous small streams, and groundwater that enters through the lake bottom. Drainage from Waramaug Lake flows southward into the East Aspetuck River.
The bottom materials on steep side slopes of the lake consist primarily of gravel, cobbles, and boulders, whereas the flatter areas consist primarily of sand, mud, and organic muck. The watershed of the lake is 14.4 square miles (9,216 acres (37 km2)). Approximately 74 percent (6,820 acres (28 km2)) of the watershed is forested. Wetlands and water bodies comprise approximately 10 percent (922 acres (3.7 km2)) of the watershed, while the remaining 16 percent (1,474 acres (6 km2)) of the area is low-density residential housing and commercial and agricultural land.
The shoreline development of Lake Waramaug is moderate and includes houses, seasonal cottages, and boat houses, with few commercial establishments. Public access to the lake is available only within Lake Waramaug State Park, which is located at the northwestern end of the lake. Outside park boundaries, the shoreline is privately owned . The park can be reached by taking Route 45 north from Route 202 and turning west onto North Shore Road.
In 2004, the Town of Washington entered into an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to reconstruct and expand the town's boat launch at Lake Waramaug, and to permit 20 launchings per day by non-residents in exchange for the DEP agreeing not to construct a new boat launch at Lake Waramaug State Park. The agreement limits motor boat traffic on the lake, and requires inspection of all boats for invasive aquatic plant species prior to launching.[7] Plans for the new boat launch were developed in 2006,[8] and the new facility was opened in 2008.[9] In 2010, the Town of Washington separately completed major reconstruction of the adjacent, Hitherto Forlorn Town Beach at Lake Waramaug, which may be used only by Washington residents and their guests. New parking areas were constructed, new fencing and landscaping were installed, and a new boathouse with a caretaker's apartment was constructed.[10]
In popular culture
"Lake Waramaug" is a song by goth/synth rock band Deadsy. It was originally the first song on the band's 1996 debut eponymous album, which was delayed and eventually released in 2002 as Commencement (the song had since been moved to track 5). The lyrics describe founding band member and principal songwriter Elijah Blue Allman's experiences there during his university years.[citation needed]
