HoehmTown Happenings

Lake DeForest Reservoir Recognized as a National Landmark

Undoubtedly, our lakes are high on the list of the most prized resources we have in the Town of Clarkstown. Rockland Lake serves as the site of an official New York State Park and Hook Mountain, Congers Lake is the focal point of one of the town’s most popular parks, and smaller lakes such as Swartout and Lake Lucielle are surrounded by residential homes coveted for their scenic views. Then, of course, we have Lake DeForest- which in addition to its scenic beauty – has served as a vital source of drinking water for Rockland County and parts of northern New Jersey since 1956. I’m proud to say that Lake Deforest has now been formally designated as an American Landmark by the American Water Works Association.

The AWWA’s landmark designation is reserved for sites that have influenced the development of safe and sustainable water systems in the United States. Lake DeForest’s selection underscores not only its technological innovation at the time of construction, but also its ongoing importance in ensuring clean, reliable water for our town and beyond. To celebrate this honor, Veolia held a ceremony earlier today unveiling two new signs at the Freedom Causeway parklet near where Congers Road intersects with Ridge and Strawtown Road. One sign celebrates the lake’s designation as a state landmark and one for this year’s designation as an American landmark.

Lake DeForest is a man-made lake created by impounding the Hackensack River and was designed specifically for use as a reservoir to serve the growing communities in Bergen County and in anticipation of the housing boom expected in Rockland after construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Work on the lake commenced in 1952 and was completed in 1956. The project was a joint venture by the Hackensack Water Company (of New Jersey) and the Spring Valley Water Company (of New York), to provide water on both sides of the state line. The lake is named after Benjamin F. DeForest, a former president of the Hackensack Water Company.

Lake DeForest collects water from various sources, primarily the Hackensack River and its tributaries. It has a total capacity of over 5 billion gallons and water drawn from the reservoir is treated at an adjacent surface water treatment plant, which can handle approximately 10 million gallons per day. The reservoir provides about one third of Rockland’s drinking water and serves over 300,000 county residents on a daily basis.

Since it opened, Lake DeForest has also become an important recreational destination for many residents in the area. Each year, over 800 area residents register through Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program to access the reservoir for fishing, hiking, and bird watching from mid-April through the end of November. Veolia also opens up the reservoir itself once a year for community kayaking during its annual Veolia Lake DeForest Day. This event, now in its ninth year, features a kayak challenge race between Rockland County’s local volunteer fire departments. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 28th.

I am proud to see this vital and beautiful resource located here in the Town of Clarkstown recognized as a historic and important landmark that continues to serve as both a source of vital infrastructure and recreation opportunities for our residents. So next time you drive over the Causeway, be sure to take a moment to be grateful for this local treasure and all it provides.