East Branch Reservoir

Located in Putnam County, east of the Village of Brewster and the interchange of Interstates 84 and 684, more than 35 miles north of New York City. Formed by the damming of the East Branch of the Croton River, which continues southwest into the Diverting Reservoir. Consists of one basin. Holds 5.2 billion gallons at full capacity. Placed into service in 1891.

The East Branch is one of 12 reservoirs in the City’s Croton Water Supply System. It receives water from the Bog Brook Reservoir, as well as the East Branch of the Croton River. East Branch water flows into the continuation of the East Branch of the Croton River, then into the Diverting Reservoir and eventually into the New Croton Reservoir in Westchester County for further settling. It travels from there through the New Croton Aqueduct to the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx, where it enters New York City’s water distribution system.

The East Branch watershed’s drainage basin is 75 square miles, a huge area of land for a relatively small reservoir, and includes portions of the Towns of Patterson and Southeast in Putnam County and Pawling in Dutchess County.

Map of East Branch Reservoir