Reservoir is opened (then shut) to public

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For the first time in almost two decades, the public gained access to the Jerome Park Reservoir. On Saturday and Sunday morning, the Department of Environmental Protection gave about four dozen people guided tours of the facility, which holds water from the upstate New Croton Reservoir. For two hours following each tour, residents were able to run, walk or explore the nearly two-mile path surrounding the local reservoir. 

“This reinforces the very strong belief that community access is not only desired, but also doable,” said northwest Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who attended one of  Saturday’s tours. “The community is really being denied a valuable resource.”

The weekend came after years of demands from local activists who are outraged that a tall fence prevents the public going near the reservoir. It is one of 19 sites that hold water for the three main sources that comprise the New York City Water Supply System.

During a weekend tour, DEP’s Deputy Director of Education Robin Sanchez explained the history of the Old and New Croton Aqueducts, which run through the Jerome Park Reservoir. For instance, she explained that the high elevation of the Old Croton Reservoir, the city’s original upstate water supply, allowed water to flow by gravity alone to two reservoirs in central Manhattan during the 1800s. The Croton system expanded near the end of the 19th century, and the new aqueduct was constructed.

The 33-mile-long New Croton Aqueduct today has a daily capacity of 290 million gallons of water. Water from the Croton system is filtered in Van Cortlandt Park’s filtration plant, which opened earlier this year, before reaching residents. 

For some residents, the chance to get a close look at the water supply came with some discomfort due to heightened security. Over 30 officers were present throughout various points in the tour, some of whom were heavily armed.  

“The only thing that surprised me was the overwhelming police presence,” said Bob Bender, chair of Parks & Recreation for Community Board 8.

“It’s a little shocking to me,” Mr. Dinowitz remarked. 

Jerome Park Reservoir, New Croton Reservoir, New Croton Aqueduct, Department of Environmental Protection, public access, Will Speros
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