Lake Auburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Auburn |
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 Lake Auburn
Location in Maine
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| Location | Androscoggin County, Maine |
| Coordinates | 44°08′49″N 70°15′00″W / 44.147°N 70.250°W |
| Surface area | 2,260 acres (910 ha) |
| Max. depth | 118 feet (36 m) |
Lake Auburn is a beautiful lake located in Auburn, Maine. It's also a very important reservoir, which means it stores water for people to use. This lake provides drinking water for the nearby cities of Lewiston-Auburn.
Lake Auburn is quite large, covering about 2,260 acres (910 ha) of land. At its deepest point, it goes down about 118 feet (36 m). Because it's a source of drinking water, there are rules about what you can do on the lake. For example, most fun activities like swimming and ice fishing are not allowed. This helps keep the water clean and safe for everyone.
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Understanding Lake Auburn's Ecosystem
Lake Auburn is home to many different kinds of fish. It's a great place for both coldwater and warmwater fish species.
Coldwater Fish Species
Many popular fish that like cooler water live in Lake Auburn. These include Salmon, Lake Trout, and Brook Trout. These fish are often sought after by anglers (people who fish) because they are challenging to catch and fun to reel in. They thrive in the deeper, colder parts of the lake.
Warmwater Fish Species
In recent years, Lake Auburn has also seen more warmwater fish. These are fish that prefer warmer, shallower parts of the lake. Examples include Largemouth Bass and Chain Pickerel. These fish are now doing very well in the softer, less deep areas of the lake.
Changes in Fish Populations
The rise of warmwater fish in Lake Auburn is an interesting change. It might affect the native coldwater fish in the future. Scientists and lake managers watch these changes closely to understand how the lake's ecosystem is evolving. They want to make sure all fish species can continue to thrive.
Protecting Lake Auburn's Water Quality
Keeping Lake Auburn's water clean is very important for the communities that rely on it.
Algal Blooms and Lake Health
Sometimes, lakes can experience something called an "algal bloom." This is when tiny plant-like organisms called algae grow very quickly. In 2013, Lake Auburn had a few small algal blooms. Luckily, these blooms did not cause major problems for the fish or the local water supply. Lake managers work hard to prevent large blooms and keep the water healthy.
Why Restrictions Help
The rules about not swimming or ice fishing on Lake Auburn are in place for a good reason. They help protect the water quality. When fewer human activities happen directly in the water, there's less chance of pollution or things that could harm the lake's delicate balance. This ensures that the water remains clean and safe for drinking.
