Amawalk Reservoir, body of water
Amawalk Reservoir is a large body of water in Westchester County created in 1897 by damming the Muscoot River. The structure consists of an earthen dam with a masonry core wall spanning about 3 miles and holding approximately 6.7 billion gallons of water that flows into the city's supply system.
The reservoir was constructed between 1889 and 1897 as a significant engineering project meant to modernize New York City's water supply. Since its completion, it has been part of the Croton Water System and remains a quiet testament to late 19th-century urban development efforts.
The reservoir bears the name of the original community of Amawalk, which was flooded when the dam was constructed. This name serves as a reminder of how infrastructure projects transformed the local landscape and displaced communities.
The area is surrounded by forests and open land, offering views of the water from certain vantage points along nearby roads. Swimming and boating are not permitted, but visitors can walk along the reservoir's edges and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The reservoir draws water not only from the Muscoot River but also from nearby Kirk Lake through connecting streams. This multiple water source makes the system especially reliable for supplying the city's needs.
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