Erie Canal Feeder Reservoirs in Central New York
Central New York • Watering the Salt City & The Erie Canal
In the 19th century, the Erie Canal needed a reliable water supply during dry seasons. Engineers built a series of large reservoirs (feeder reservoirs) south of the canal in Central New York to store spring runoff and release water as needed. These reservoirs played a critical role in keeping the canal operational and helped fuel the growth of Syracuse as the “Salt City.”
Major Erie Canal Feeder Reservoirs Near Syracuse
Jamesville Reservoir
Location: Onondaga County (Butternut Creek)
Built 1872–1874, this was one of the last and largest feeders constructed to support the canal's summit levels. Today, it is home to Jamesville Beach Park, popular for swimming, fishing, and boating.
DeRuyter Reservoir
Location: Madison / Onondaga Counties
Constructed in the 1860s on the headwaters of Limestone Creek. It remains a highly popular destination for regional recreation, lined with private seasonal cottages, fishing boats, and active docks.
Cazenovia Lake
Location: Madison County
This natural lake was artificially raised with a historic control dam to serve as a reliable upland summit-level feeder, dropping water down into the canal line during critical summer droughts.
Erieville Reservoir
Location: Madison County
An early engineered reservoir designed specifically to hold spring runoff for the high-elevation summit stretches of the canal system, managing steady water volume downward.
Eaton Brook Reservoir
Location: Madison County
A massive engineered upland valley supply network that funneled critical water down via Oriskany Creek to ensure loaded canal packet boats wouldn't bottom out in dry spells.
Lake Moraine (Madison Reservoir)
Location: Madison County (Hamilton / Eaton)
Also known historically as the Madison Reservoir, this body of water includes Lebanon Reservoir and Leland Pond systems, engineered to maintain the structural canal levels across Central New York.
How They Worked
During wet seasons, water was stored in the reservoirs. In dry periods, controlled releases flowed through feeder canals into the main Erie Canal. This system allowed reliable transportation and supported the booming salt industry in Syracuse that relied on the canal for shipping.
Visiting Today
Many of these reservoirs are now beautiful public parks and fishing spots. Jamesville Beach Park and DeRuyter Reservoir are especially popular for day trips from Syracuse.