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Lake Ontelaunee facts for kids

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Lake Ontelaunee
Lake Ontelaunee.JPG
Location of Lake Ontelaunee in Pennsylvania, USA.
Location of Lake Ontelaunee in Pennsylvania, USA.
Lake Ontelaunee
Location in Pennsylvania
Location of Lake Ontelaunee in Pennsylvania, USA.
Location of Lake Ontelaunee in Pennsylvania, USA.
Lake Ontelaunee
Location in the United States
Location Berks County, Pennsylvania
Coordinates 40°27′44″N 75°55′17″W / 40.4622°N 75.9214°W / 40.4622; -75.9214
Type reservoir
Basin countries United States
Surface area 1,082 acres (438 ha)

Lake Ontelaunee is a big lake in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It's not a natural lake, but a special kind of lake called a reservoir. A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. Lake Ontelaunee holds water for the City of Reading.

This lake was made in 1926. Engineers built a large dam across Maiden Creek. This dam helped collect water to supply Reading with fresh drinking water. A big celebration happened in 1929 when the lake was officially opened.

Exploring Lake Ontelaunee

Lake Ontelaunee is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people visit the lake to enjoy nature. It's a great place for fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Fishing at Lake Ontelaunee

The lake is home to many different kinds of fish. If you like fishing, you might catch a variety of species here. Some common fish include panfish, largemouth bass, and common carp. You can also find bullhead catfish and channel catfish. Other fish living in the lake are alewife, white perch, and even large muskellunge.

Rules for Visitors

It's important to know the rules when visiting Lake Ontelaunee. For safety reasons, you are not allowed to use boats on the lake. Swimming is also not permitted. These rules help keep everyone safe and protect the lake's water quality.

Lake Ontelaunee's Size

Lake Ontelaunee is one of the largest lakes in Berks County. It covers about 1,082 acres. That's a lot of space!

Comparing Lakes in Berks County

While Lake Ontelaunee is very big, it's actually the second-largest lake in Berks County. The biggest lake in the county is Blue Marsh Lake. Just like Lake Ontelaunee, Blue Marsh Lake is also an artificial reservoir. Both lakes play an important role in the area's water supply.

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