Winnapaug Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winnapaug Pond |
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| Brightman Pond | |
Weekapaug Breachway looking south
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 Winnapaug Pond
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°19′54″N 71°47′12″W / 41.331767°N 71.786734°W |
| Type | saline |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2.5 mi (4.0 km) |
| Surface area | .7439 sq mi (1.927 km2) |
Winnapaug Pond (also known as Brightman Pond) is a saltwater lagoon located in Westerly, Rhode Island, United States. It's like a calm, shallow lake that is connected to the bigger ocean area called Block Island Sound. This connection was made possible by a special channel called the Weekapaug Breachway, which was built in the mid-1950s.
What is Winnapaug Pond?
Winnapaug Pond is a type of water body known as a "breached saltwater lagoon." A lagoon is a shallow area of water that is partly separated from the ocean by a sandbar or a reef. "Breached" means there's an opening, in this case, the Weekapaug Breachway, that connects it to the ocean.
Size and Location
This pond is about 2.5-mile (4.0 km) long. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a large sandbar. On the ocean side of this sandbar, you'll find popular beaches like Misquamicut Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Westerly Town Beach. Winnapaug Pond is one of nine similar coastal lagoons in southern Rhode Island. Locals often call these lagoons "salt ponds."
Water Quality and Activities
Winnapaug Pond is known for its good water quality. In 2010, experts checked the water and said it was "good," meaning it's healthy for plants, animals, and people. Because the pond is relatively small and not very deep, it's a great spot for fun activities like kayaking. Its calm waters make it easy for beginners and experienced paddlers alike to enjoy.
