Clear Fork Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clear Fork Reservoir |
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 Clear Fork Reservoir
Location in Ohio
Clear Fork Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Richland / Morrow counties, Ohio, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°41′54″N 82°36′24″W / 40.69833°N 82.60667°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 997 acres (403 ha) |
| Average depth | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 40 ft (12 m) est. |
| Water volume | 4,400,000,000 U.S. gallons (17,000,000 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 14 mi (23 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,202 ft (366 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Clear Fork Reservoir is a large, man-made lake in Ohio, United States. It was created in 1949 by building a dam on the Clear Fork river. This important reservoir serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mansfield, Ohio. It stretches across parts of Richland County and Morrow County.
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What is the Clear Fork Reservoir?
The Clear Fork Reservoir is a special type of lake called a reservoir. Unlike natural lakes, reservoirs are built by people to store water. This water can be used for many things, like drinking, irrigation for farms, or even generating electricity.
Why was it built?
The main reason the Clear Fork Reservoir was built was to provide clean drinking water for the people of Mansfield, Ohio. As cities grow, they need more water. Building a reservoir helps make sure there's enough water for everyone.
Where is it located?
This reservoir is located in central Ohio. It's found in two different counties: Richland County and Morrow County. This area is known for its beautiful natural scenery.
Key Facts About the Reservoir
The Clear Fork Reservoir is quite large and has some interesting features.
How big is the reservoir?
The reservoir covers an area of about 997 acres (about 403 hectares). That's like having over 750 football fields filled with water! It has a shoreline of about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers), which is a long way to walk around.
How deep is the water?
The average depth of the reservoir is around 10 feet (3 meters). However, in some spots, it can be much deeper, reaching an estimated maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters). This varying depth creates different habitats for fish and other aquatic life.
When was it created?
The Clear Fork Reservoir was completed in 1949. It took a lot of planning and construction to build the dam and allow the area to fill with water, creating the lake we see today.
Importance of the Reservoir
Beyond just providing drinking water, the Clear Fork Reservoir plays other important roles.
Water supply for Mansfield
Its primary purpose is to supply drinking water to Mansfield. Water from the reservoir is treated at a water plant to make it safe and clean for homes and businesses.
Recreation and nature
The reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. People enjoy fishing, boating, and observing nature around the lake. It's a great place for families to spend time outdoors.
