Middle Branch Reservoir - DEP

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Middle Branch Reservoir

Located in the Town of Southeast in Putnam County, west of the Village of Brewster, about 35 miles from New York City. Formed by the damming of the Middle Branch of the Croton River, which flows south from Lake Carmel, one of the three controlled lakes that are part of the City’s Croton Water Supply System. Consists of one basin. Holds 4.1 billion gallons at full capacity. Placed into service in 1878.

The Middle Branch is one of 12 reservoirs in the Croton system. Water from the Middle Branch flows into the Croton Falls Reservoir and eventually into the New Croton Reservoir. From there it passes through the New Croton Aqueduct into the Jerome Park Reservoir and enters the New York City distribution system.

The Middle Branch watershed’s drainage basin is 21 square miles and includes portions of the Towns of Kent, Patterson and Southeast in Putnam County, and Beekman and East Fishkill in Dutchess County.

Map of Middle Branch Reservoir