Triadelphia Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Triadelphia Reservoir |
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 Triadelphia Reservoir
Location in Maryland
Triadelphia Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Howard / Montgomery counties, near Brookeville, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39°12′27″N 77°00′48″W / 39.207517°N 77.013302°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Patuxent River |
| Primary outflows | Patuxent River |
| Catchment area | 77.3 sq mi (200 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 800 acres (3.2 km2) |
| Average depth | 52 ft (16 m) |
| Water volume | 6,200,000,000 US gal (0.023 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 351 ft (107 m) |
The Triadelphia Reservoir is a large lake in Maryland, located in Howard and Montgomery counties, close to Brookeville. It was created in 1943 when the Brighton Dam was built across the Patuxent River. This reservoir is an important source of drinking water for many people.
History of Triadelphia
The area where the reservoir now sits was once home to ancient Native American communities. Archeologists studied these old settlements in the 1980s when the dam was drained for repairs.
The land itself was first surveyed way back in 1725. The reservoir gets its name from a small town called Triadelphia. This town was started in 1809 by three Quaker brothers-in-law: Isaac Briggs, Thomas Moore, and Caleb Bentley. They built a small community with houses, a sawmill, a general store, and a grist mill.
Over time, the town grew and even had a cotton factory. By 1850, there were many buildings, including a church and a school. However, two big floods, one in 1868 and another later, severely damaged the town. By 1905, most people had left Triadelphia. The land was later bought by the Ligon family, and eventually, it went underwater when the reservoir was built.
About the Reservoir
The Triadelphia Reservoir covers a large area of about 800 acres (3.2 km2). It holds around 6,300,000,000 US gallons (19,000 acre⋅ft) of drinking water. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) manages the reservoir and makes sure the water is safe for everyone.
Brighton Dam
The Brighton Dam started working in 1944. This dam is crucial for holding back the water that forms the reservoir. In 2017, the WSSC began a big project to fix up the dam. They worked on the 13 tainter gates, which help control water flow, and the concrete spillway surface. They also repaired the original intake gates. This important renovation project started in June 2017 and was finished in December 2019.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
The WSSC allows people to enjoy many outdoor activities around the Triadelphia Reservoir. You can go hiking on the trails, have a picnic, or try fishing. Boating is also popular, but you need a permit. Only boats powered by people (like kayaks or canoes) or battery-powered boats are allowed. Law enforcement officers patrol the area to make sure everyone follows the rules and stays safe.
