West Hill Pond has a surface area of 261 acres and a watershed area of roughly three-times that, or 790 acres. Compared to other CT Lakes, the West Hill Pond watershed is relatively small related to the area and volume of the lake. The runoff from this watershed replaces or flushes the lake about once every four to five years. Any dissolved materials conveyed to the lake from the storm water systems tend to have a long residence time. That long residence time is the major contributor to the long-term degradation of the lake. Of course any suspended materials tend to settle in the lake and remain there forever.
West Hill Pond has been for many years one of the best-loved places in New Hartford and Barkhamsted; its rocky shores and tree-clad surroundings and its crystal clear water and peaceful atmosphere have attracted generations of people to come and relax and enjoy. More and more people come to it every year, and this is as it should be.
– Jamie Hall, Chairman of the New Hartford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission