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Lake Maratanza facts for kids

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Lake Maratanza
LakeMaratanza.JPG
Lake Maratanza viewed from the west shore in July, 2011.
Lake Maratanza is located in New York
Lake Maratanza
Lake Maratanza
Location in New York
Location Wawarsing. New York, United States
Coordinates 41°40′49″N 74°21′10″W / 41.680156°N 74.352808°W / 41.680156; -74.352808 (Lake Maratanza)
Basin countries United States
Surface elevation 2,245 ft (684 m)

Lake Maratanza is a unique lake found in New York State. It holds the record for being the highest lake in the Shawangunk Ridge. This means it sits at a very high elevation, about 2,245 feet (684 meters) above sea level.

Exploring Lake Maratanza

Lake Maratanza is located within a beautiful natural area called Sam's Point Preserve. This preserve is a protected space where people can enjoy nature. It's a great spot for hiking and seeing amazing views.

LakeMaratanza
Lake Maratanza viewed from the west shore.

A Source of Drinking Water

Even though it's a natural lake, Lake Maratanza has a special purpose. A dam was built there to help control the water. This dam helps to collect and store water from the lake.

The water from Lake Maratanza is very important. It provides clean drinking water for the nearby town of Ellenville, New York. This makes the lake a vital resource for the community.

How Water Flows Out

Water from Lake Maratanza doesn't just stay in one place. An "outlet brook" carries water away from the lake. This brook flows down the other side of the ridge.

The water then joins other streams. It flows into the Verkeerder Kill, which is a smaller stream. The Verkeerder Kill then flows into the Shawangunk Kill. Finally, all this water reaches the larger Wallkill River. This shows how all these waterways are connected!

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