Grassy Sprain Reservoir, body of water
The Grassy Sprain Reservoir is a large water storage facility in Yonkers, New York, covering about 150 acres (61 hectares). An earthen dam about 40 feet (12 meters) high and 600 feet (180 meters) wide holds back water from two stream systems and can store approximately 2,900 acre-feet (3.6 million cubic meters) of water.
The reservoir was built in 1876 when the city of Yonkers constructed a dam to secure its water supply. This construction helped the growing city provide stable water storage for thousands of residents.
The reservoir takes its name from the two streams that feed it, the Sprain Brook and Grassy Sprain River. Today it serves the local community as a quiet natural space where people walk, observe wildlife, and spend peaceful time outdoors.
The area around the reservoir is open year-round with easy walking trails winding through woodlands and meadows. Swimming and boating are not allowed to protect water quality, and visitors are expected to respect the environment.
Water from the reservoir does not go directly to homes but is first sent to a treatment plant where it is filtered and processed. This step ensures the city's residents receive clean and safe drinking water.
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