 the ross barnett reservoir (also known as "the rez") is an impoundment of the pearl river between madison and rankin counties in the u.s. state of mississippi. the  lake serves as the state's largest drinking water resource, and is managed by the pearl river valley water supply district. the lake features  of shoreline impounded on the south by a  man-made dam and spillway. the western shore is bounded by the historic natchez trace parkway. == history == named for ross r. barnett, the 52nd governor of mississippi, construction on the ross barnett reservoir began in 1960 by mwh engineering (now mwh global) under the direction of the pearl river valley water supply district. the main purpose of the infrastructure project was to create a permanent water source to supply drinking water for the mississippi capital city of jackson. construction on the lake was completed in 1963, and the water level reached average capacity in 1965. planning then began to provide parks and recreation areas in conjunction with the newly formed lake. today, the ross barnett reservoir serves as a significant water source, a major recreational area, and a catalyst for residential and economic development. there are curre
Landforms_of_Madison_County,_Mississippi Landforms_of_Rankin_County,_Mississippi Protected_areas_of_Madison_County,_Mississippi Reservoirs_in_Mississippi