Diving in Lexington Reservoir?

[LG Diver]

Hi all,

Anyone know if diving is permitted in Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, and if so is there anything to see down there? I was recently looking through a book on the history of Los Gatos and it mentioned that when the dam was built in 1952 the water covered the towns of Lexington and Alma. These were gold rush era towns and I figure it would be pretty cool to check these out if there's still anything left- maybe bits from a blacksmith's workshop or something? Anyone have any info?

Thanks,
John

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Lexington belongs to the Santa Clara Valley Water District, along with a bunch of other
local resevoirs. http://www.valleywater.org/Water/Where_Your_Water_Comes_From/Local_Water/Reservoirs/index.shtm
says "Swimming at Almaden, Coyote, Anderson and Calero reservoirs is prohibited by
the state Department of Health to protect the drinking water supply from potential
bacteriological contamination." It doesn't say swimming is prohibited at Lexington.

No powerboats allowed at Lexington, IIRC.


Chuck

 

[LG Diver]

Hi Chuck. Thanks for the reply.

I run along Alma Bridge road around Lexington reservoir pretty often, and there are "no swimming" signs posted along with "no power boats" signs. I wasn't sure if this was a result of not having lifeguards on duty or if there was some other reason which would also prohibit diving. The drinking water protection concern would lead me to believe that they would also not allow diving. Next time I see a park ranger I'll ask just to make sure. Oh well, my search for diving spots that don't require a drive to Monterey continues...