Is Chebacco Lake shallow?
Yes. Chebacco Lake has an average depth of about 9 feet and a maximum depth of about 22 feet. That shallow profile makes the lake more susceptible to algae blooms.
Lake facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Chebacco Lake, the watershed, development, stewardship, and why protecting water quality matters.
About the lake
Chebacco Lake FAQ
Where does the lake drain?
Chebacco Lake has a single natural outlet: Alewife Brook. The brook flows about 1.7 miles to the Essex River, and alewife return from the ocean each spring through the brook to spawn.
How large is the watershed?
Chebacco Lake and five tributary ponds make up about 7% of the 7.2-square-mile, roughly 4,600-acre watershed.
Which towns are in the watershed?
The watershed overlaps portions of Essex, Hamilton, Manchester, Wenham, and Beverly.
How developed is the watershed?
Human development makes up about 11% of the watershed. Forested areas make up about 58%, wetlands another 17%, and Routes 22 and 128 cross the watershed.
Is the watershed controlled by dams?
No. The watershed is a completely natural system with no dams or control structures. A sand-gravel aquifer underlies the lake and ponds, which are at similar elevations.
Why are the 1960s important?
The 1960s marked a major shift as summer camps and cabins began giving way to year-round homes, increasing challenges from phosphate overloading, pollution, and runoff.
When was CLWA founded?
The Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association was founded in 1985, sparked by the arrival of the invasive aquatic plant Cabomba.
Protect Chebacco Lake
Have another question?
CLWA can continue growing into a practical lake knowledge base for residents, visitors, and watershed advocates.