Briones Reservoir, water storage reservoir in Contra Costa County, California, USA
Briones Reservoir is a freshwater reservoir in the hills of Contra Costa County, California, managed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. The water sits in a valley surrounded by wooded slopes and open grassland, with a dam at one end that can be crossed on foot.
The reservoir was built in the 1960s by the East Bay Municipal Utility District, which was established in 1923 to supply water to growing communities around the San Francisco Bay. It was one of several projects the district undertook to secure a reliable water supply for the region over the long term.
Ducks, herons, and other water birds are commonly seen along the shore, making the trail a popular spot for people who enjoy watching wildlife up close. For many families in the surrounding area, a walk around the water is a regular part of weekend life.
A recreation permit issued by the East Bay Municipal Utility District is required to access the trails, and it can be obtained before your visit. There are no water fountains along the route, so it is a good idea to bring enough to drink for the full walk.
Swimming is not allowed in the reservoir even though it is a large body of open water, because it remains an active drinking water source for the region. The dam crossing on the loop trail gives one of the few spots where the full shape of the water basin becomes visible in a single view.
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