List of dams and reservoirs in New Jersey facts for kids
Dams and reservoirs are super important structures that help us manage water. In New Jersey, these amazing constructions store water for drinking, help prevent floods, and even create fun places for recreation. A dam is a big barrier built across a river or stream to hold back water. The area where the water is held back is called a reservoir. Think of a reservoir as a giant, human-made lake!
Dams and Reservoirs: New Jersey's Water Wonders
.jpg)
New Jersey has many important dams and reservoirs. These structures are vital for our communities. They make sure we have enough clean drinking water every day. They also help control floods, protecting homes and businesses when there's a lot of rain. Some reservoirs are even popular spots for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature!
A dam is considered a "major dam" if it meets certain requirements. For example, it might be at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) tall and hold a huge amount of water. Or, it could be any height but hold an even larger amount of water, like enough to fill thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Here is a list of some of the important dams and reservoirs you can find in New Jersey:
- Beatties Dam, located on the Passaic River in Little Falls.
- Brick Township Reservoir, managed by the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority.
- Butler Reservoir, found in Passaic County.
- Colonial Lake, in Lawrence Township.
- Dundie Dam, also on the Passaic River.
- Furry Lake, located between East Brunswick and North Brunswick.
- Furnace Road Dam, part of the Wanaque Reservoir, which is managed by the North Jersey District Water Supply Authority.
- Hackensack Reservoir No. 2, operated by United Water New Jersey.
- Jersey City Reservoir No. 3.
- Lake Carnegie Dam, which creates Lake Carnegie near Princeton University.
- Lake Hopatcong Dam, controlling Lake Hopatcong, managed by the New Jersey Division Of Parks And Forestry.
- Lake Musconetcong Dam, which forms Lake Musconetcong.
- Lake Tappan Dam, creating Lake Tappan, also managed by United Water New Jersey.
- Manasquan Reservoir Dam, part of the Manasquan Reservoir, managed by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.
- Mercer Lake, found within Mercer County Park.
- Merrill Creek Dam, which forms the Merrill Creek Reservoir, managed by the Merrill Creek Owners Group.
- Monksville Dam, creating the Monksville Reservoir, also managed by the North Jersey District Water Supply.
- Oradell Reservoir Dam, which forms the Oradell Reservoir, managed by United Water New Jersey.
- Parsippany Dike, part of the Boonton Reservoir (also known as Jersey City Reservoir), managed by the Jersey City Department of Water.
- Point View Dam, creating Point View Reservoir, managed by the Passaic Valley Water Commission.
- Multiple dams that form the Round Valley Reservoir, managed by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.
- Shadow Lake Dam, located on Nut Swamp Brook in Monmouth County.
- S.U.M. Dam, on the Passaic River in Paterson.
- Spruce Run Reservoir Dam, which forms the Spruce Run Reservoir, managed by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.
- Lake Sylva, found at The College of New Jersey.
- Woodcliff Lake Dam, creating the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir, managed by United Water New Jersey.
- Yards Creek Generating Station, which includes both upper and lower reservoirs.
Discover More About Water Management
- List of dam removals in New Jersey
