Allen Lake (New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allen Lake |
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 Allen Lake
Location in New York Adirondack Park
Allen Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | SE of Richfield Springs, New York |
| Coordinates | 42°49′47″N 74°57′06″W / 42.82972°N 74.95167°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Primary outflows | Trout Brook, Richfield water supply intake line |
| Catchment area | 1.03 square miles (2.7 km2) |
| Surface area | 60 acres (0.094 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,640 feet (500 m) |
Allen Lake is a beautiful lake located in northern Otsego County, New York. You can find it southeast of the village of Richfield Springs. It's a natural lake, but a small dam and concrete spillway were added to make the water level higher. The main stream flowing out of the lake is called Trout Brook. This brook eventually flows into Otsego Lake. Allen Lake is super important because it provides the drinking water for Richfield Springs!
Contents
How Allen Lake Became a Water Source
A long time ago, around 1820, the village of Richfield Springs needed fresh water. They first brought water from a place called Weatherby Pond. As the village grew bigger, they needed a more steady supply of clean water.
Getting Water to the Village
At first, water came from two holding reservoirs. These were located east of Richfield Springs, along US 20. But even this wasn't enough water for everyone. So, the village decided to buy Allen Lake.
From Pumps to Gravity
When Allen Lake first became the water source, a steam pump was used. This pump pushed the water above ground. Later, in the 1920s, a clever solution was found. A special tunnel was built through the land. This tunnel allowed the water to flow by gravity. This means the water flowed downhill naturally, without needing a pump.
The main water pipe, made of cast iron, was put in place in 1880. The part of the pipe that goes through the tunnel is about 1,690 feet (520 m) long. This tunnel section is quite deep, ranging from 20 to 90 feet (6.1 to 27.4 m) underground.
Modern Water System
The current system for taking water from the lake was built in the 1970s. It uses a 12 inches (30 cm) wide cast iron pipe. This pipe runs from the old steam pump spot on the eastern shore. It goes about 100 feet (30 m) out into the lake to a special structure. This structure sticks up about 3 feet (0.91 m) from the lake bottom. In 1994, a new water plant was built. Pumps were added there, but the water can still flow by gravity if needed.
Lower Reservoirs
There are two smaller reservoirs located just east of Richfield Springs, near US 20. These reservoirs help manage the village's water supply.
Upper Reservoir
The upper reservoir is at an elevation of 1,494 feet (455 m). It holds most of the water that comes from Allen Lake. Workers keep it full by controlling a valve on a pipe that branches off the main line from Allen Lake. Water also flows through a fountain on this reservoir. This fountain helps to add air to the water, which makes it cleaner.
Lower Reservoir
The lower reservoir is at an elevation of 1,491 feet (454 m). It's not used as often as the upper one. It stays full because water overflows into it from the upper reservoir.
