McMillan Reservoir

McMillan Reservoir is a municipal water facility in Washington D.C. that supplies the majority of drinking water to the city through an integrated distribution network. The site sits at approximately 43 meters in elevation and forms part of the city's central water supply infrastructure.

The reservoir was completed in 1902 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and named after Senator James McMillan, who championed water infrastructure development. A decade later, the McMillan Sand Filtration Facilities were built on the same grounds, expanding the system's capabilities.

The site displays Beaux-Arts design elements from its construction era, reflecting early 20th century American infrastructure aesthetics. These architectural details remain visible in the surrounding structures and layout of the grounds today.

Access to the grounds is restricted for safety and security reasons, with the area regularly monitored by local authorities. Visitors can view the grounds from the perimeter, but should respect barriers and observe any posted signs.

The grounds evolved from a natural spring called Smith Spring into a major water facility, representing a significant shift in the city's infrastructure planning. This transformation reflects how the city modernized its water security in the early 20th century.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1902

Elevation above the sea: 43 m

GPS coordinates: 38.92510,-77.01730

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56