Waterman Lake was the subject of a recent news story by reporter Jacquelyn Moorehead of the Valley Breeze. She interviewed CPWL Treasurer and Dam Committee chairperson, Phil Viall, about the lower-than-normal water levels, recent repairs to the dam, and the ongoing drought.
Category Archives: Alerts
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of Norman Lemieux
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of Norman Lemieux, who passed into eternal life on April 11, 2026.
A long-time resident and friend of Waterman Lake, he will be missed by countless neighbors, friends, and family.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for Norman on Tuesday, April 21st at 10:00 AM at St. Raymond’s Church, 1240 North Main St., Providence.
Happy Spring CPWL Members,
The Executive Board and Dam Committee members are pleased to provide you with this update on the repair of the ongoing seepage issue along the main dam as identified in RIDEM’s Notice of Violation in 2014.
After sending the RFP for the repair out for bid, the Executive Board voted to award the bid to Providence Grass. Under the supervision of GZA Environmental, Providence Grass began construction the week of March 9th, 2026. If all goes to plan, the repair will be completed in three weeks. As the record snows melted, the lake came up quickly. We are dropping water levels to the seasonal norm to ensure maximum safety while the repairs are being made.
Once the repairs are completed, we will start to fill the lake up for our summer enjoyment.
2026 CPWL Spring Gala
Get your tickets today for the 2026 Spring Gala!
- June 12th, 2026 at Wrights Farm, 84 Inman Rd, Harrisville, RI
- Tickets are $75 per person
- Doors open 5:30 with a cash bar and raffle sign-up through 7:30. Dinner starts at 6:30
- Comedy Show after dinner with Mark Riley as the headline, with Maya Manion, and Mizz Conduct.
CPWL’s Annual Boat Sticker Campaign
February 2026
Dear CPWL Members,
As we approach our 2026 boating season, the members of the Executive Board, Dam and Fundraising Committee want to encourage each of you to support CPWL’s Annual Boat Sticker Campaign.
In the last three years, our lake water quality has been under attack by Cyanobacteria (aka blue-green algae) and invasive weeds. When our lake water test results come in too high for Cyanobacteria, the State puts out an advisory notice – shutting down the lake for recreational use until levels return to normal. If Cyanobacteria goes untreated, the levels may never go down to a safe level, resulting in the lake being shut down for the remainder of the boating season.
In the last two years, CPWL has invested about $18,970 to have our lake water surveyed, tested, and treated for Cyanobacteria and invasive weeds. Unfortunately, there is no fix to permanently remove Cyanobacteria or invasive weeds, just best practices and management.
This is why we need every property owner to pay their annual dues, for which you will receive an annual boat sticker to display on your boat. For all of you who are leasing dock space out to boaters, personal watercraft, or visitors, it’s imperative that you have each of them purchase an annual boat sticker from CPWL. The cost is $100. Annual Boat Stickers can be purchased here.
The financial burden to keep our lake’s water quality at its highest standards and the maintenance of the dam, can not and should not be placed on the shoulders of a few paying dues members. This financial burden needs to be shared by all who use and enjoy our lake!
By our calculations, there is a minimum of 165 boaters & personal watercraft renting or visiting the lake per season. If each of them purchased an annual boat sticker, CPWL would raise $16,500 annually. This money would go towards treating the lake for Cyanobacteria, invasive weeds (as needed) and dam maintenance. This is a win for all who enjoy our lake!
Sincerely,
Robert M. Eaton, Jr.
President of CPWL
Fall Drawdown
Drawdown of the lake will begin Saturday, November 1st. Water will drop about 12” per week, until we are at a level of between 60” and 72” below the spillway. We anticipate this level will be maintained until March 25, 2026, when we will begin to raise the water level.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email cpwl@cpwl.org
Sincerely
CPWL Executive Board
Warning: Possible Algae Bloom: 7-11-25
Lake Residents:
A few people have noticed and sent us pictures of what appears to be blue green residue in the lake.
Our “go to” experts, Water and Wetlands, Inc. have diagnosed the residue as having the characteristics of an algae bloom. We do NOT know if it is cyanobacteria. To scientifically determine this would take at least a week for testing results.
Out of an abundance of caution, the CPWL officers have opted to act. Water and Wetlands will be on the lake next Wednesday to treat the lake. This was the soonest that they were available to do the treatment.
Until the lake is treated, we recommend that there be no swimming, boating, or fishing in the lake. Pets should also be kept away from the water. None of us is happy about this, but we feel this is the safest course of action.
2025 Weed Control Report
On Thursday, June 26, Water and Wetlands Inc. treated the lake to control weed growth. You will find a report on their pre-treatment survey, along with their field notes here.
Feel free to email cpwl@cpwl.org with any questions.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
The Executive Committee
Bob Eaton, President
Ken Roberson, Vice-President
Phil Viall, Treasurer
Liz Viall, Secretary
July 4th Boat Parade
Decorate your boat and join us for this fun tradition!!
We will gather at Steere Marina for an 11am start time. We look forward to seeing you there! Contact Mike Stewart with any questions.
Weed treatment for the 2025 lake season
On Thursday, June 26, Water and Wetlands Inc. will be treating the lake to control weed growth. Please note the recommended restrictions on the use of the lake and lake water from 6/27 to 7/1, as noted in the attached image.
