Cross River Reservoir

Cross River Reservoir is a large body of water in Westchester County, New York, located about 1 mile east of Katonah. It extends roughly 3.2 miles in length with an average depth of about 36 meters (120 feet) and a shoreline stretching over 12 miles, surrounded by forests and open space.

The reservoir was completed in 1908 to improve water supply for New York City as the city expanded rapidly. It became part of the Croton system comprising multiple reservoirs that have supplied drinking water to the region for over a century.

The reservoir serves as a protected water source where local visitors engage in fishing and nature observation while respecting strict access rules designed to preserve water quality. This reflects the community's ongoing relationship with natural resource management and outdoor recreation in the region.

Access requires a free permit from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and activities like swimming are restricted to preserve water quality. Visitors should check current regulations and respect designated pathways, particularly if interested in fishing or bird watching.

Water flows through a hidden network of multiple reservoirs and aqueducts before reaching millions of people in the city, traveling more than 24 miles through the system. This infrastructure demonstrates how New York manages its water supply from a distance, making this one location part of a much larger network.