Controlled lake

A controlled lake is both a general and specific term to describe a body of water. In its general sense it describes a lake or reservoir which has its water level controlled by some form of dam. In the specific, it refers to three small lakes within the New York City water supply system's Croton Watershed lying within central Putnam County in the state's far southwestern corner.

Kerr Lake on the Roanoke River in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, is a manmade lake controlled by a dam

Types

Control of water level
The water level of Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho is controlled by the downstream Post Falls Dam

The term "controlled lake" is used to describe a body of water – whether a natural lake enlarged by emplacement of a dam, a formerly dry area flooded and dammed, or a stretch in a natural watercourse such as a stream or river dammed to create a manmade impoundment – that has its level controlled by a dam.

The purpose of the dam – whether to generate electricity, manage flood control, provide water for drinking, irrigation or recreational opportunities, increase shoreline real estate values, or any combination thereof – does not matter; nor does the size of dam or water body created, which can vary between an oversized pond controlled by a floodgate or the nearly 250 sq mi (650 km2) Lake Mead impounded by the Hoover Dam, only that the water body's water level is artificially controlled.

Last, it does not matter whether the water body is referred to as a "lake" when in reality it is a reservoir; that is merely a matter of convention, often tracing back to the body's name in its natural state.

NYC water withdrawal rights
Lake Gleneida in Carmel, New York, is one of the New York City water supply system's three controlled lakes

The term "controlled lake" is used by the New York City water supply system to describe three small auxiliary reservoirs within its Croton Watershed which it owns or has rights to draw water from.[1] These are Lake Gleneida and Lake Gilead in the hamlet of Carmel, and Kirk Lake in the hamlet of Mahopac, both within the town of Carmel in Putnam County, New York.

Each has a dam and spillway controlling its outflow. "Controlled" further applies to controlled access and controlled use, in order to protect the sanitation of the drinking water supply they potentially contain.

The three lakes fall under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Supply, which manages, operates and protects the city's upstate water supply system. The City may withdraw water from the "controlled lakes" pursuant to rights acquired by the City or as a right of ownership.[2]

Recreational use of the controlled lakes falls under DEP regulations; its guidelines and requirements are listed here. Fishing and self-powered boating are allowed with a valid DEP permit and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation-issued fishing license. Swimming is prohibited.

See also

References
  1. Rules and Regulations for the Protection from Contamination, Degradation and Pollution of the New York City Water Supply and its Sources, Final Regulations, Chapter 18 – New York City, Subchapter A, Section 18-16 – Definitions (20) "Controlled lake means a lake from which the City may withdraw water pursuant to rights acquired by the City or as a right of ownership. The controlled lakes are: Kirk Lake, Lake Gleneida and Lake Gilead".
  2. New York State Department of Health Regulations, Part 128-1.6(a)(20) - Definitions: Controlled lake
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