We are pleased to announce that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has formally released the Notice of Violation (NoV) originally issued to CPWL in February 2014. The release was issued on August 4, 2026.

In 2014, RIDEM reclassified the safety rating of the Main Dam as “UNSAFE” and directed CPWL to address piping (leaking) through the dam. Over the subsequent years, the Association completed the required major steps:

• Engaged Pare Corporation to conduct a Seepage Study.
• Retained GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. to design the necessary remediation.
• Contracted Providence Grass Company to implement the approved plans.

Along the way, there were many minor steps that were taken. Supporting engineering reports and related documents are available here.

This outcome represents a significant milestone after more than twelve years of sustained effort. The Executive Committee extends its sincere thanks to all members who contributed to the project. Special recognition is due to Bob Eaton for his leadership in coordinating the organizational work that brought this effort to completion, and to Patty Gregson Nugent and the Gregson Foundation at the Rhode Island Foundation for providing the majority of the funding that made the remediation possible.

For the Executive Committee,
Ken Robertson, President
Phil Viall, Treasurer
Liz Viall, Secretary

There has been a lot of rumor, speculation, and confusion regarding the lake level; the pond level at West Greenville Road & Route 44; the condition of the dam; leaks in the dam and at the gatehouse; upstream and downstream beaver dams; and the amount of rainfall. The Executive Committee and the Dam Committee of Citizens for the Preservation of Waterman Lake have developed this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to help address some of these ongoing inquiries.

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.

Read the full story on the Valley Breeze Website

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.

You can read his obituary here.

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.

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.

Tickets and More Information

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