Laguna Honda, reservoir in San Francisco
Laguna Honda is a reservoir on the southwest slope of Mount Sutro in San Francisco that stores drinking water for the city. The water surface sits within forested slopes and is managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
The reservoir was built in the 1860s by Spring Valley Water Works with a nearly 13-mile redwood pipeline to carry water from nearby lakes. The 1906 earthquake damaged the pipeline, but the facility remained a key water storage source for San Francisco.
The name Laguna Honda comes from Spanish and refers to a deep lagoon, reflecting the region's heritage. Today, locals visit to observe birds and wildlife, using the quiet space as a refuge within the city.
The reservoir is not open for swimming or water recreation and serves only as a water supply system. Visitors can explore the area from surrounding paths and roads, walking through the forested surroundings.
The area has undergone extensive restoration in recent years, with invasive eucalyptus trees removed and native oaks, willows, and other plants replanted to restore the habitat. These efforts transformed the landscape from an overgrown space into a thriving home for wildlife like birds and coyotes.
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