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General Information 1. China Lake is part of the first water district in the U.S. The Kennebec Water District was formed in 1899. 2. Up to four million gallons of water are taken daily from China Lake for the KWD. 3. China Lake Syndrome – we’re known for the fastest declining water quality in a Maine lake. This term was coined in 1986 when, in a period of less than ten years, China's waters went from blue and clear to severely degraded "pea soup." The pea soup was thick mats of blue green algae. 4. Indian Heart Rock is unique. 5. One island on the lake had a bowling alley, dance hall and dining room. Ferrys and paddleboats would bring visitors out to the island for a relaxing day. The island is now owned by the KWD and no part of the building remains. 6. People in the area are more aware of lake issues than in other parts of Maine. The China Lake Association and China Region Lakes Alliance are working towards educating residents about how to care for the lake. 7. China Lake is unique because we can use it for various forms of recreation. In the east basin, we can swim, boat and enjoy other water activities. Because it is a public drinking supply, the west basin can be used for boating but cannot have body contact activities such as swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing or jet skis.