Quemahoning Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quemahoning Reservoir |
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 Quemahoning Reservoir
Location in Pennsylvania
Quemahoning Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°09′58″N 78°57′43″W / 40.166°N 78.962°W |
| Primary outflows | Stonycreek River |
| Built | 1910 to 1913 |
The Quemahoning Reservoir is a large lake in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. People who live nearby often call it "The Dam." This lake was created by building the Quemahoning Dam.
The dam is located on Quemahoning Creek. It sits where three townships meet: Quemahoning Township, Conemaugh Township, and Jenner Township. It's just south of Hollsopple.
The Manufacturers Water Company built the dam. They started in 1910 and finished in 1913. Its main purpose was to provide water for the Cambria Iron Company in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
The lake is about five miles long. At its widest point, it is two miles across. Water from the reservoir flows into the Stonycreek River. From there, it joins the Kiski-Conemaugh river system.
A Big Lake with Many Uses
The Quemahoning Reservoir is one of the biggest man-made lakes in Pennsylvania. It is a very important spot for birds. Many migratory waterfowl, like geese, swans, and herons, stop there during their long journeys.
The reservoir was once owned by Bethlehem Steel Corporation. This company took over from Cambria Iron. In the year 2000, Bethlehem Steel sold the reservoir. It was bought by the Cambria Somerset Authority.
Today, the Cambria Somerset Authority manages the reservoir. They use it for two main things. First, it provides water for industries. Second, it is a place for people to have fun and enjoy nature.
Recently, Somerset Borough started building a pipeline. This pipeline will carry water from the reservoir to the borough. This will give clean drinking water to the town. The original large pipeline built by Manufacturers Water Company was also updated. This happened after the sale to the Cambria Somerset Authority.
Fun Things to Do at Quemahoning Reservoir
The Quemahoning Reservoir is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people come here to enjoy the water and nature.
- Fishing: You can catch different kinds of fish in the reservoir.
- Boating: People enjoy taking their boats out on the water.
- Camping: There are places where you can set up a tent and camp overnight.
- Whitewater Rafting: Sometimes, the reservoir releases water for whitewater rafting. This happens on the Stonycreek River below the dam. In 2010, the dam's release valves were improved. This allowed more water to be let out, which made rafting even better.
Years ago, Bethlehem Steel Corporation had a special area here. They had a gun club and a farm house. They also had a park called Bethco Pines. This park was for their employees to relax and have fun. It had boating and swimming areas. Many people worked there.
When Bethlehem Steel Corporation closed down in the 1990s, these areas were put up for sale. The reservoir and its recreation spots were sold to a group of local governments.
Today, a group called Summer's Best Two Weeks (SB2W) uses parts of the old Bethco Pines park. This camp is a Christian sports camp. It hosts hundreds of kids during the summer. Campers stay for two-week periods. There is another SB2W camp nearby on Lake Gloria.
What's Under the Water?
The Quemahoning Reservoir covers an old Native American village. This village was called Kickenapauling's Town.
Records from Christopher Gist mention this village. It was also mentioned in a deed from June 10, 1779. This deed belonged to Joseph Johns. The city of Johnstown was named after him. So, when the reservoir was created, it flooded this historic site.
