The Swimming River Reservoir is a man‑made water storage facility located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. It was created by the construction of a dam on the Swimming River, a tributary of the Navesink River, and serves as a primary source of municipal drinking water for the northern portion of Monmouth County.
Geography and Hydrology
The reservoir lies within the townships of Colts Neck and Middletown. It impounds the waters of the Swimming River and its tributaries, forming a lake that is surrounded by a mixture of forested and developed land. The reservoir’s outflow returns to the Swimming River, which continues downstream to join the Navesink River and ultimately empty into Raritan Bay.
Purpose and Management
The reservoir is operated by the Monmouth County Water Resources Authority (MCWRA), which is responsible for the collection, treatment, and distribution of water to approximately 200,000 customers in the region. The water stored in the reservoir is treated at the MCWRA’s Swimming River Water Treatment Plant before being supplied to municipal water systems.
Capacity and Infrastructure
The reservoir holds several billion gallons of water, providing a reliable supply during periods of low rainfall. The exact storage capacity is subject to seasonal variations and operational management practices. Water is released from the reservoir through controlled outlet structures to maintain downstream flow requirements and to meet water‑supply demand.
Environmental and Recreational Aspects
The surrounding watershed includes a variety of habitats that support wildlife, including fish, amphibians, and bird species. While the primary function of the reservoir is water supply, limited recreational activities such as fishing and wildlife observation occur in designated areas, subject to MCWRA regulations.
History
Construction of the Swimming River Dam and the associated reservoir was completed in the mid‑1960s, expanding the county’s water‑resource infrastructure. Since its inception, the reservoir has undergone periodic upgrades and maintenance to meet evolving water‑quality standards and to ensure the reliability of the water supply system.
References
- Monmouth County Water Resources Authority, official publications and website.
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Water Resources Division reports.
- United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic and hydrographic data for the Swimming River watershed.