Lake Zoar

Lake Zoar is a reservoir along the Housatonic River that stretches for several miles and stores water for surrounding communities. The water is controlled by Stevenson Dam, which holds back the water and supplies resources to multiple towns.

Stevenson Dam was built in 1919 and created the lake by flooding an area formerly called Pleasantvale. This change marked a major shift in how the land was used and managed locally.

The name comes from a section of Newtown and Monroe that referenced the Biblical city of Zoara near the Dead Sea. This naming choice reflects how early settlers drew connections to biblical places.

Four boat launches are located in Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury, providing access for water activities and recreation. Visitors should check weather conditions and bring proper safety equipment when planning to use the water.

The lake faces challenges from invasive zebra mussels and historical PCB contamination, requiring ongoing management efforts. These issues shape the daily work of authorities responsible for maintaining water quality and safety.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.38830,-73.17750

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55