2015 Central Park Reservoir Tour

On this walk we will explore the Central Park Reservoir and discuss its history, engineering, and ecology. Construction on the reservoir began in 1858 and was originally designed to satisfy a growing demand for water. We will discuss the causes of this demand, such as a growing population, disease, and fire. The Central Park Reservoir is no longer active, but is now maintained for aesthetic reasons; it is also still operated by the NYC’s water utility in the event that it is needed again. We will discuss the factors that led to its decommissioning in 1992 and explain where NYC residents currently get their water.