Water is our most precious resource. And at WSSC, water matters. We created the Lucky Duckett Geotrail to highlight the beauty of the water and surrounding area near the T. Howard Duckett Dam and Rocky Gorge Reservoir. By following the Lucky Duckett Geotrail you will see, first‑hand, the many opportunities available for enjoying the recreational areas, trails, woods, wetlands and water around the area. Along the way, we will teach you a little about the importance of protecting the land around our primary drinking water source, the Patuxent River, as well as help you with ideas on how to conserve water and protect your home from water damage and high water bills.
The Lucky Duckett Geotrail launched August 8, 2015 with 6 caches within the T. Howard Duckett Dam/Rocky Gorge Reservoir watershed recreation areas and trail system.
This cache is only available during daylight hours. Please no night caching! Geocaches will be found on the trails and recreation areas, NOT within the facilities. Do not enter any restricted WSSC areas!
About this Cache
This cache can be accessed by parking at the Scott’s Cove Recreation Area (N 39° 08.238 W 076° 53.418).
Bottled water creates more waste and also costs up to 1000x times more than tap water. On average Americans can get about 8 gallons of tap water for a penny. Drinking more of this cheap, safe and healthy beverage is good for the earth and good for you.
Tap water is held to strict federal standards for cleanliness and safety. Our tap water is tested over 100,000 times a year for a variety of contaminants. In our almost 100 year history, WSSC has never had a drinking water violation. WSSC’s water quality has always met or exceeded the federal standards.
WSSC’s water was also named the region’s best tasting tap water in 2015 at the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA) and Chesapeake American Water Works Association (CSAWWA) joint meeting in Annapolis, Md. Safe and reliable water remains WSSC’s highest priority, we are constantly working to maintain the best taste possible for our customers. For more information, visit: www.wsscwater.com/contents/news/2015/wssc-customers-enjoy-regions-bes.html
About the Watershed
The WSSC watershed is approximately 5,600 acres, which includes the two Patuxent reservoirs, Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett. These reservoirs hold approximately 11 billion gallons of water combined and serve as a water supply source for more than 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The reservoirs also provide numerous recreation opportunities in a scenic environment just minutes outside of the Capital Beltway.
Recreational activities permitted in designated areas include: shore fishing, boat fishing from approved craft, boating from rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats, picnicking, horseback trail riding and hunting. Daily or seasonal permits are required. See https://www.wsscwater.com/watershed for more details.
Enjoy your visit and help us keep the reservoirs and watershed property clean and safe for everyone. Use trash receptacles and obey the rules that have been established to protect you, pristine water supply sources and environmental treasures.
Feel free to tweet pictures of your geocaching experiences to @wsscwaternews. Just make sure not to give away the cache hiding place!
Thanks to Maryland Geocaching Society members for assisting with this project!