Toronto Lake (Kansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toronto Lake |
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Location | Woodson / Greenwood counties in Kansas |
Coordinates | 37°45′49″N 95°56′10″W / 37.7635764°N 95.9360638°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Primary outflows | Verdigris River |
Basin countries | United States |
Managing agency | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
Built | 1960 |
Settlements | Toronto, Coyville |
Toronto Lake is a special kind of lake in southeast Kansas. It's mostly in Woodson County. This lake helps control floods and is also a fun place for people to visit.
The lake is built on the Verdigris River. You can find it about four miles southeast of a town called Toronto, Kansas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers takes care of Toronto Lake. They are a government group that builds and manages many water projects.
About Toronto Lake
Toronto Lake is not a natural lake. It is a reservoir, which means it's a lake made by people. It was created by building a dam across the Verdigris River.
This lake helps protect nearby towns from too much water. When there is heavy rain, the lake can hold extra water. This stops rivers from overflowing and causing floods.
Why Was Toronto Lake Built?
Toronto Lake was planned a long time ago to help with floods. It was officially approved in a law called the Flood Control Act of 1941. This law helped create many projects to keep communities safe from water damage.
Besides stopping floods, the lake has other important uses. It's a great spot for outdoor fun like boating and fishing. It also helps make the water quality better in the river. Sometimes, it can even provide water for people to use.
Building the Lake
Work on Toronto Lake started in November 1954. It took several years to build the dam and get everything ready. The project was finished in February 1960. After that, the area behind the dam slowly filled with water to create the lake we see today.