Facilities

Rio Project

Rio Reservoir, located approximately one mile downstream of the Mongaup Falls embankment, provides 3,650 ac-ft of upstream storage capacity to be used as an immediate source of water for hydro-electric power production through two generating units.

The Rio generating units (Unit #1, #2 - 5.5 MW each) are contained in a single powerhouse located one mile downstream of the embankment. This powerhouse is immediately adjacent to an electrical substation containing the infrastructure necessary to route the output to the electrical grid.

Water flows into the Rio Reservoir primarily via two separate conduits; the Mongaup River and inflows from nearby Black Brook. Outflows from the Rio reservoir are primarily through the tailrace of the two power generation units when they are in service, with a small amount released through a regulated outflow point directly into the bypass reach (the streambed between the area immediately downstream of the embankment to the powerhouse) to protect the ecosystem.

There is one public recreation area located on the Rio Reservoir which is maintained by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Only non-motorized water craft are permitted on the reservoir. The specific location of the public recreation area, along with its current status, is identified on the schematic.

RESCUE AND LIFE GUARD SERVICES ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED FOR THIS AREA. ADDITIONALLY, COMMUNICATIONS FROM THIS AREA OF THE VALLEY ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED. THE PUBLIC IS DIRECTED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING THIS AREA. PARTICIPATION IS AT THE USER'S OWN RISK.

The entire area around the Rio Reservoir is a designated Bald Eagle habitat. Recreational use in this area is administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

There is one additional recreation area located adjacent to the project. This area is specifically designed for white water rafting during certain calendar periods. The specific location of the public white water recreation area, along with its current status, is identified on the schematic. View the schedule of white water releases.