Diverting Reservoir

The Diverting Reservoir Trail - Putnam County

Located in the Town of Southeast in Putnam County, south of the Village of Brewster, about 35 miles from New York City. Formed by the damming of the East Branch of the Croton River, which continues southwest to the Muscoot Reservoir. Consists of one rectangular basin. Holds 900 million gallons at full capacity, making it the smallest reservoir in the City’s system. Placed into service in 1911.

The Diverting Reservoir, sometimes referred to as Croton Falls Diverting, is one of 12 reservoirs in the City’s Croton system. It receives most of its water from the East Branch River, which extends from the East Branch and Bog Brook Reservoirs. Diverting Reservoir is connected to the nearby Croton Falls Reservoir via a channel and dividing weir. Water usually passes freely between the two reservoirs. Water from the Diverting Reservoir flows into the continuation of the East Branch of the Croton River, into the Muscoot Reservoir and then into the New Croton Reservoir. After moving through the 24-mile New Croton Aqueduct, the water enters the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx and goes into New York City’s distribution system.

The Diverting watershed’s drainage basin is just 8 square miles, which lie entirely within the Town of Southeast.

Map of Diverting Reservoir