Wanaque River facts for kids
The Wanaque River is a beautiful waterway in northern New Jersey, United States. Its name comes from a Native American word meaning "place of the sassafras" – a type of tree. This river is a smaller stream that flows into a larger one, the Pequannock River. You can find it in Passaic County.
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Discover the Wanaque River's Journey
The Wanaque River has an interesting history and path. It was once known by a different name: the Long Pond River.
Where Does the Wanaque River Begin?
The journey of the Wanaque River starts at Greenwood Lake. This lake was also once called Long Pond. It's important not to confuse it with the nearby village of Greenwood Lake in New York.
The Sterling Forest Connection
Both Greenwood Lake and the land around it, called the Sterling Forest watershed, are special. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or lake. This particular watershed sits right on the border between New Jersey and New York.
How Reservoirs Were Formed
As the Wanaque River flows downstream, people built large walls called dams across it. These dams created two important reservoirs. A reservoir is like a giant, artificial lake used to store water, often for drinking.
Building Monksville and Wanaque Reservoirs
One dam was built at a place called Monks. This created the Monksville Reservoir. Another dam was built near the town of Wanaque, which formed the Wanaque Reservoir. These reservoirs are very important for providing water to many communities.
The River's Final Stretch
After flowing out of the Raymond Dam at the Wanaque Reservoir, the river continues its path. It travels until it meets and joins with the Pequannock River.
