Definition
Muscoot Reservoir is a freshwater reservoir situated in the town of Somers, Westchester County, New York, United States. It is a component of the New York City water supply system, forming part of the Croton Watershed.
Overview
The reservoir was created in the early 20th century by the construction of Muscoot Dam, which impounds the Muscoot River. Water stored in Muscoot Reservoir is conveyed downstream to the New Croton Reservoir, from which it eventually enters the New Croton Aqueduct and reaches New York City. The reservoir is one of several reservoirs that together supply a substantial portion of the city’s municipal drinking water. It is managed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP).
Etymology/Origin
The name “Muscoot” is derived from a Native American term historically used by the Mahican and Lenape peoples who inhabited the region. The precise meaning of the word is not definitively documented; it is commonly interpreted to reference a local landscape feature, possibly relating to “scrub oak” or “marshy place.” Accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York, USA |
| Primary Inflow | Muscoot River; also receives water via an aqueduct from Amawalk Reservoir |
| Primary Outflow | Muscoot River leading to New Croton Reservoir |
| Surface Area | Approximately 400 acres (≈0.62 square mi; 1.6 km²) |
| Maximum Depth | About 60 feet (≈18 m) |
| Storage Capacity | Roughly 4.5 billion US gallons (≈17 million m³) |
| Construction | Muscoot Dam completed in 1905–1906 as part of the expansion of the Croton water‑supply system |
| Dam Type | Earthen embankment with a concrete spillway (specific design details are managed by NYC DEP) |
| Water Quality | Subject to regular monitoring by NYC DEP; water is treated downstream at the New Croton Water Treatment Plant before distribution |
Related Topics
- Croton Watershed – The larger river basin that includes Muscoot Reservoir and supplies water to New York City.
- New Croton Reservoir – Receives outflow from Muscoot Reservoir and serves as the terminal storage before water enters the aqueduct system.
- Amawalk Reservoir – Upstream reservoir that can discharge into Muscoot Reservoir via engineered channels.
- New York City Water Supply System – The network of reservoirs, aqueducts, and treatment facilities that deliver drinking water to the city’s population.
- Westchester County, New York – The county in which the reservoir is located, containing several other water‑resource facilities.
All information presented reflects data available from publicly released sources, including NYC DEP publications and geographic surveys.