Lake DeForest Recognized as Water Landmark During National Drinking Water Week
Veolia New York Celebrates Lake DeForest’s Landmark Recognition During National Drinking Water Week
In honor of National Drinking Water Week (May 4–10), Veolia New York is celebrating the recent recognition of Lake DeForest Reservoir as an American Water Landmark. This designation, awarded by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), is reserved for historically significant structures such as reservoirs, towers, or facilities that have played a crucial role in the development, supply, or treatment of water.
Chris Graziano, Veolia New York’s Regional President, emphasized Lake DeForest’s importance: “This reservoir is essential to providing Rockland County with a steady supply of drinking water. It has also served as a scenic retreat for generations, supporting recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. We’re honored that AWWA has acknowledged Lake DeForest’s lasting contributions to our region.”
Construction of Lake DeForest began in 1952 and was finalized in 1956. It was named in honor of Benjamin F. DeForest, who once served as president of the Hackensack Water Company—a company that eventually became part of what is now Veolia, after evolving from United Water and SUEZ.
The reservoir sources water from the Hackensack River and nearby tributaries. This water is processed at a neighboring treatment facility, which can handle an average of 10 million gallons daily. Today, the reservoir supplies approximately one-third of the drinking water consumed in Rockland County.
Beyond its role in water supply, Lake DeForest has grown into a treasured recreation area. Through Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program, more than 800 people annually sign up to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird-watching between mid-April and late November.
Each year, the community also gathers for Veolia Lake DeForest Day, which features open kayaking on the reservoir and a friendly kayak race among local volunteer fire departments. The event, now in its ninth year, is scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
Veolia’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Solutions
Protecting and maintaining access to clean water has been central to Veolia’s mission for over 170 years. As part of its GreenUp strategy, the company is investing in advanced treatment technologies to combat emerging contaminants. At the Lake DeForest facility, Veolia is currently dedicating $100 million over five years to implement systems that will target PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and improve overall water quality.
In honor of National Drinking Water Week (May 4–10), Veolia New York is celebrating the recent recognition of Lake DeForest Reservoir as an American Water Landmark. This designation, awarded by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), is reserved for historically significant structures such as reservoirs, towers, or facilities that have played a crucial role in the development, supply, or treatment of water.
Chris Graziano, Veolia New York’s Regional President, emphasized Lake DeForest’s importance: “This reservoir is essential to providing Rockland County with a steady supply of drinking water. It has also served as a scenic retreat for generations, supporting recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. We’re honored that AWWA has acknowledged Lake DeForest’s lasting contributions to our region.”
Construction of Lake DeForest began in 1952 and was finalized in 1956. It was named in honor of Benjamin F. DeForest, who once served as president of the Hackensack Water Company—a company that eventually became part of what is now Veolia, after evolving from United Water and SUEZ.
The reservoir sources water from the Hackensack River and nearby tributaries. This water is processed at a neighboring treatment facility, which can handle an average of 10 million gallons daily. Today, the reservoir supplies approximately one-third of the drinking water consumed in Rockland County.
Beyond its role in water supply, Lake DeForest has grown into a treasured recreation area. Through Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program, more than 800 people annually sign up to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird-watching between mid-April and late November.
Each year, the community also gathers for Veolia Lake DeForest Day, which features open kayaking on the reservoir and a friendly kayak race among local volunteer fire departments. The event, now in its ninth year, is scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
Veolia’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Solutions
Protecting and maintaining access to clean water has been central to Veolia’s mission for over 170 years. As part of its GreenUp strategy, the company is investing in advanced treatment technologies to combat emerging contaminants. At the Lake DeForest facility, Veolia is currently dedicating $100 million over five years to implement systems that will target PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and improve overall water quality.
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