Merrill Creek Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Merrill Creek Reservoir |
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 Merrill Creek Reservoir
Location in New Jersey
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Harmony Township, Warren County, New Jersey |
| Coordinates | 40°44′10″N 75°6′5″W / 40.73611°N 75.10139°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 650 acres (260 ha) |
| Average depth | 235 ft (72 m) |
| Max. depth | 235 ft (72 m) |
Merrill Creek Reservoir is a large, man-made lake located in Warren County, New Jersey. It covers about 650 acres and is surrounded by 290 acres of protected forests and fields. These lands are part of a much larger area of open spaces, totaling 2,000 acres.
This special lake was built to help manage water for power plants. It plays an important role in making sure there's enough water, especially during dry times.
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What is Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Merrill Creek Reservoir is an artificial lake, which means it was created by people, not by nature. It is connected to the Delaware River by a tunnel, about three miles away.
The Merrill Creek Dam was built in 1988. It is a huge earthen dam, standing 280 feet tall and 1,140 feet long at the top. Seven electric companies worked together to build it. They are known as the Merrill Creek Owners Group.
Why Was It Built?
The main reason for the reservoir is to replace water. Power plants use a lot of water for cooling, and some of it evaporates. The reservoir helps put that water back into the Delaware River.
The reservoir takes water from the Delaware River in the spring. This is when the river usually has plenty of water. Then, in the summer, when the river flow is lower, the reservoir releases water back. This helps keep the river full.
Keeping the Delaware River flow strong in summer is very important. It stops saltwater from the ocean from moving too far upstream. This protects the underground water sources that many towns, like Camden, use for drinking water.
Building the reservoir was a huge project. It cost $217 million and was one of the biggest construction jobs in the United States in the mid-1980s. Workers cleared dense forests and built the large dam and two dikes.
Fun Things to Do and See
Merrill Creek Reservoir is a great place for outdoor activities. You can go boating, but only boats without gasoline motors are allowed. This helps keep the water clean and quiet.
The area around the lake is home to lots of amazing wildlife. You might spot bald eagles, crows, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Many other migratory birds also visit the reservoir.
Fishing at the Reservoir
The reservoir is very popular for fishing, especially for its brown trout. It's also home to many other types of fish, including walleye, yellow perch, small and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, catfish, sunfish, carp, rainbow trout, brook trout, and lake trout.
The lake is about 235 feet deep. This makes it the deepest man-made lake in New Jersey. Its depth is important because it allows lake trout and other trout to live there all year round. Merrill Creek Reservoir is one of only two lakes in New Jersey where lake trout can be found. The other is Round Valley Reservoir in Hunterdon County.
Visitor Center and Education
The lake has a visitor center that offers a lot to learn. You can see exhibits about local nature and history. The center also has environmental education programs for all ages, from young children to adults.
