Lake Anna is a man‑made reservoir located in central Virginia, United States, spanning Louisa and Spotsylvania counties. Constructed in the early 1970s, the lake serves primarily as a cooling water supply for the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station, operated by Dominion Energy (formerly Virginia Electric and Power Company). The reservoir was created by impounding the North Anna River with the construction of a 2,000‑foot (610 m) earthen dam.
Geography and Physical Characteristics
- Surface area: Approximately 13,000 acres (52 km²).
- Shoreline: Roughly 200 miles (320 km) of shoreline.
- Maximum depth: About 75 feet (23 m).
- Elevation: Approximately 350 feet (107 m) above sea level.
The lake is divided into two distinct sections: the public side, which provides recreational facilities such as marinas, boat launches, and public beaches, and the private side, which is reserved for residential communities and limited-access amenities.
Historical Development
The reservoir was completed in 1972 to meet the cooling requirements of the two‑reactor North Anna nuclear power plant, which began operation in 1978. The creation of the lake flooded a largely rural area, leading to the displacement of several farms and small communities. The development of the private residential side began in the 1980s, fostering a substantial waterfront housing market.
Recreation and Economy
Lake Anna is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports. The lake supports a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, making it a notable site for both recreational and tournament fishing. The tourism and property market associated with the lake contribute significantly to the local economies of Louisa and Spotsylvania counties.
Environmental Considerations
As a cooling reservoir for a nuclear facility, Lake Anna experiences thermal stratification, with water temperatures in the public side generally higher than those in comparable natural lakes. Monitoring by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ensures that thermal discharges remain within regulated limits. Periodic algal blooms have been reported, prompting water quality assessments and management actions.
Management and Governance
The lake’s operation and water level regulation are overseen by Dominion Energy, while recreational use and land development are subject to county zoning ordinances and homeowners’ association regulations. Public access points are maintained by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and local municipalities.
References
- Dominion Energy, “North Anna Power Station – Cooling Water System.”
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, “Lake Anna Water Quality Monitoring Reports.”
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Hydrography Dataset, “Lake Anna.”
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, “Fishing Guide for Lake Anna.”