Lake Cochichewick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Cochichewick |
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View from the Brooks School
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 Lake Cochichewick
Location in Massachusetts
Lake Cochichewick
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Andover, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°42′14″N 71°05′50″W / 42.70389°N 71.09722°W |
| Primary inflows | Weir Hill and other local uplands |
| Primary outflows | Cochichewick River |
| Basin countries | United States |
Lake Cochichewick is a beautiful lake located in North Andover, Massachusetts. It gathers water from places like Weir Hill and other nearby high areas. The extra water from the lake flows into the Cochichewick River. This river then joins the larger Merrimack River. The Brooks School, a private school for both boys and girls, is right on the edge of the lake.
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What's in a Name? The Story of Cochichewick
The name "Cochichewick" has an interesting history. It is believed to come from the Pennacook people's language. It means "dashing stream" or "place of the great cascade." Long ago, when Andover was first settled, people simply called it "The Great Pond."
Rules for Visiting Lake Cochichewick
For about 100 years, Lake Cochichewick was the main source of drinking water for North Andover. Because of this, people were not allowed to go on the lake.
However, things changed in May 2002. The town started giving out permits for certain types of boats.
Boating on the Lake
If you want to boat on Lake Cochichewick, your boat must be moved by hand. This means using oars or paddles. Boats like rowing shells, johnboats, dinghies, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are allowed. It's important that people in the boat do not touch the lake water. Boats should not have holes that let water in or out.
You can use electric motors on boats up to 15 feet long. However, inflatable boats, windsurfers, and seaplanes are not allowed.
No Swimming or Pets
Swimming is not allowed in Lake Cochichewick for anyone, including humans or dogs. The town has put up signs near the lake trails. These signs remind hikers that the lake is used for drinking water. If you are caught swimming, there is a $50 fine. Also, no pets are allowed in boats, on the ice, or in the water at any time.
Keeping Lake Cochichewick Healthy
The Merrimack Valley area used to have many factories. This caused worries about pollution, like mercury, in Lake Cochichewick and other local waters.
Good news! Recent tests show that mercury levels in fish, like yellow perch and largemouth bass, have dropped a lot. This is a positive sign for the lake's health.
A spokesperson from the state's Department of Environmental Protection explained why. They said that rules to limit mercury from trash burners and closing medical waste burners helped a lot. Mercury takes a long time to build up in nature. It also takes time for it to leave. But these changes show that big reductions can happen fairly quickly.
