Reservoir #3, constructed in 1871, is significant as one of the earliest public water supply systems in New Jersey. Located within the dense, urban environment of Jersey City, Reservoir #3 is a 14-acre site that features the reservoir basin and associated piping, Gate House 1, Gate House 2, and the Screen House. The site is listed in the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places and is also significant for having pioneered the use of water chlorination, essential to reducing the spread of waterborne diseases. According to the National Register nomination, Jersey City was “the first major community in the United States to distribute disinfected water directly to people’s homes.” The site operated as an active reservoir until 1994 when it was decommissioned, and the basin was drained. Natural elements took over as dense vegetation spread throughout the site and rainwater filled the basin.   

The 2023 Trust grant will help fund the restoration of Gatehouse 1.  

The 2021 Trust grant will help fund stabilization and restoration of Gate House 2. The 2019 Trust grant helped fund restoration of the Screen House at the decommissioned Reservoir #3. 

For more information, visit: https://www.jcreservoir.com/