Runyon Watershed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Runyon Watershed
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 Runyon Watershed
Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Runyon Watershed
Location in New Jersey
Runyon Watershed
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Middlesex |
| Township and Borough | Old Bridge and Sayreville |
| Elevation | 30 ft (9 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 879863 |
The Runyon Watershed is a special area in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, United States. It is a system of reservoirs that holds water. This important place is just south of Sayreville. The Middlesex Water Company takes care of it.
Contents
What is the Runyon Watershed?
The Runyon Watershed covers about 1,100 acres (445 hectares). A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common point. In this case, the water flows into the reservoirs. This water is then used for people to drink and for other uses.
History of the Watershed
The story of the Runyon Watershed began a long time ago. In the late 1800s, the city of Perth Amboy bought this land. They wanted to make sure their city had enough clean water.
Building the System
In the 1920s, Perth Amboy built a reservoir and a waterworks system here. A waterworks is a place where water is collected, treated, and sent out to homes and businesses. This system helped provide water to the city.
Who Manages it Now?
For many years, Perth Amboy managed the watershed. Then, in 2003, they turned over the management to the Middlesex Water Company. This company now operates and maintains the Runyon Watershed.
Protecting the Land
The Runyon Watershed is a protected area. This means that much of the land cannot be built on. More than 500 acres of the watershed are wetlands. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface of the soil, for all or parts of the year.
Why Wetlands are Important
Wetlands are very important for the environment. They help filter water, prevent floods, and provide homes for many plants and animals. The state of New Jersey passed a law in 1990 called the Watershed Moratorium Act. This law helps protect areas like the Runyon Watershed from development.
New Jersey's Hottest Day
The Runyon Watershed is also known for a weather record. On July 10, 1936, a weather station in Runyon recorded a very high temperature. It reached 110 °F (43 °C). This temperature set the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in New Jersey.
