Hoopes Reservoir, body of water
Hoopes Reservoir is a large water storage facility near Wilmington, Delaware. The dam holding back the water is a concrete gravity structure standing about 135 feet (41 meters) tall and stretching over 800 feet (258 meters) across the landscape.
Built in 1932, the reservoir was created to capture water from local streams for Wilmington's drinking supply. It was named after Edgar M. Hoopes, Chief Engineer of Wilmington's water department from 1913 to 1918, who played a key role in developing the city's water system.
The site has been closed to the public since 1971, though the water body can be viewed from nearby higher ground. Located on Barley Mill Road, it remains a quiet area that is managed for water supply and safety purposes.
The reservoir is controlled by a gravity dam with a distinct design that sets it apart from other dams in Delaware. Birdwatchers value the area for spotting ducks and waterfowl that visit the quiet water body.
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