Research Project Summary: Public Evaluations of Reservoir Protection

New Jersey citizens indicated very strong support for preserving existing natural zones around water supply reservoirs, using the Wanaque-Monksville Reservoir System as a case study. These citizens also supported the acquisition of additional natural zones around reservoirs if needed to protect water quality, and regulation of land uses around water supply sources without such buffer zones. This support for control of lands around water sources was very strong, whether among users of reservoir water, residents around the reservoir, or people who fished on the reservoir.This project was funded by the Natural and Historic Resources Element, and the Office of Environmental Health Assessment in the Division of Science and Research (DSR), both of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, under Contract P32243