Boyds Corner Reservoir, reservoir on the West Branch of the Croton River, New York
Boyds Corner Reservoir is a dam and water storage system in Westchester County that serves the city's water needs. Built between 1866 and 1873, it stretches over 670 feet long and rises about 57 feet high, with rusticated stone facing on both its upstream and downstream sides.
The dam was built between 1866 and 1873 as part of the city's early water system. After completion, doubts about its strength led officials to add an upstream earth embankment, though this reinforcement was poorly constructed and often caused instability.
The name refers to the Boyd family who operated in this area. Today the reservoir functions quietly as part of the city's water system, serving residents far away without drawing much attention to its role in daily life.
The site sits along Route 301 and is easily reached by car. Fishing and boating require free permits from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection that must be obtained before your visit.
The reservoir holds roughly 1.7 billion gallons and flows into the Croton River before joining the city's broader water network. This hidden connection to multiple systems makes it one of many overlooked links in the complex machinery that supplies water to the city.
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