Croton Watershed facts for kids
This page is about a component of the New York City water supply system. For the hydrological feature with a similar name, see Croton River watershed
The Croton Watershed is a very important part of the New York City water supply system. It's not just a natural area; it's a carefully managed system that helps bring fresh water to millions of people. This watershed covers large areas in Putnam and Westchester counties in southeastern New York State.
It includes seven rivers, twelve large reservoirs, and three special controlled lakes. These all work together to collect, store, and deliver water. The Croton Watershed holds about 100 billion US gallons (378 million cubic meters) of fresh water. Most of this water travels to the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx through the New Croton Aqueduct. From there, it is sent out to homes and businesses.
If there's too much water for New York City's needs, the extra water flows over the New Croton Dam at the New Croton Reservoir. This water then goes into the Croton River and eventually reaches the Hudson River. This happens near Croton-on-Hudson, New York, which is about 30 miles (48 km) north of New York City.
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What is the Croton Watershed?
The Croton Watershed is a special term for a specific part of New York City's water supply. It's important to know that it's different from the natural Croton River watershed. The natural river watershed includes many small lakes and ponds, like Lake Mahopac. These natural bodies of water are not part of New York City's official water supply system, even though their water eventually flows into it. You can see a map of the actual Croton Watershed here.
The Croton River (pronounced KROH-tən) is a river in southern New York State. It has three main branches: the West Branch, Middle Branch, and East Branch. All their waters are part of the New York City water supply system. They join together after the Croton Falls Reservoir. These branches and their connected reservoirs make up the northern half of the Croton Watershed.
After the three branches of the Croton River meet, the main Croton River, along with the Muscoot River, flows into the Muscoot Reservoir. Then, it empties into the New Croton Reservoir. This reservoir feeds the New Croton Aqueduct, which carries water to New York City through the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx. The Croton River's entire natural watershed covers an area of about 361 square miles (935 square kilometers).
Key Parts of the Croton Watershed
This section lists the important waterways, reservoirs, and lakes that are part of the Croton Watershed.
Waterways that Feed the System
Reservoirs: Water Storage Tanks
These large man-made lakes store water for the city.
- Boyds Corner Reservoir
- West Branch Reservoir
- Middle Branch Reservoir
- Croton Falls Reservoir / Diverting Reservoir
- East Branch Reservoir / Bog Brook Reservoir
- Titicus Reservoir
- Cross River Reservoir
- Amawalk Reservoir
- Muscoot Reservoir
- New Croton Reservoir
Controlled Lakes: Natural Water Sources
These are natural lakes that are managed as part of the water system.
The New Croton Aqueduct
The New Croton Aqueduct is a long underground tunnel. It was finished in 1890. This aqueduct carries water from the New Croton Reservoir in Westchester and Putnam counties all the way to New York City.
Fun Activities in the Watershed
You can enjoy some outdoor activities in certain parts of the Croton Watershed. There are specific rules and guidelines for recreation. You can find more information about what's allowed and what's needed here.
