Hydropower intake - Beebe Lake

Once a forested swamp, Beebe Lake was formed in 1898. When the dam built above Triphammer Falls raised the level of water, trees from the surrounding wetlands were cut down, and Beebe Swamp became what we know today as Beebe Lake. A local favorite for joggers and hikers, Beebe Lake attracts people from all around town who come to picnic, swim, canoe, or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Besides its recreational aspect, it is also one of many water resources that Cornell carefully manages. In fact, the hydropower intake supplies water from Beebe Lake to the hydropower plant through a five-foot diameter, 1700 feet long underground penstock. You can also spot the ruins of the abandoned Cornell Hydraulic Lab at the bottom of the gorge, which was used to study water purification along with the flow from the adjacent water bodies. Generally, Beebe Lake is a great example of environmental trade-offs that are at the center of environmental issues, and although the advantages of turning Beebe Swamp into Beebe Lake may outweigh the drawbacks, it’s important to keep in mind the environmental costs of the choices we make.