Lafayette Reservoir

Notice: Harmful algae present in Lafayette Reservoir

Blue green algae in lakes can result in a buildup of toxins. While near-water activities (picnicking, biking and hiking) are safe, take the following precautions for your safety.

• Body contact with water is never permitted. Keep children away from the water and the shoreline. Use tap water to rinse any skin that has contacted lake water.
• Keep pets, especially dogs, out of the water. They should not enter or drink the water.
• Fish caught here may be consumed after you throw away the guts and liver and rinse fillets with tap water.

Lafayette Reservoir is a recreational reservoir; it is not used for drinking but serves as an emergency supply.

For more information, contact EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683.

Notice: Lafayette Reservoir Rim Trail detour 

From November 2018 to Fall 2019, EBMUD plans to conduct needed upgrades at the Rheem Reservoir, located off of the Lafayette Reservoir's Rim Trail and Rheem Boulevard. The project will include replacement of the existing roof, recoating the tank's interior, installation of safety stairs, replacement of the drinking fountain and electrical improvements. This project will allow EBMUD to maintain high quality drinking water by updating the reservoir to current standards and improve water service reliability in the Lafayette area. A portion of the Rim Trail will be inaccessible and a detour will be located at Canyon Trail and Rheem Trail allowing visitors to complete a full loop around the Reservoir. This is to ensure the safety of hikers, bikers and pets during construction. Schedule subject to change.

Contact

Kathryn Horn, Community Affairs
Phone: 510-287-2053
Email: Kathryn Horn

Outside of normal business hours, call 1-866-403-2683. For information about other construction projects in your neighborhood, click here.  

Notice: Lakeside trail paving project TRAIL REOPENED.  

The paving project at Lakeside Trail at Lafayette Reservoir was completed on October 1, 2018 and the entire trail reopened on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

All connecting trails and recreation facilities are also open.

The Lafayette Recreation Area is an all-year day-use area ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking, located off Highway 24 only one mile from the Lafayette BART station.

Things to do

Kids

A children's playground is located on the east lawn.

Picnicking

Picnic tables (125) are available on a first-come, first-served basis; 44 have barbeques for cooking your favorite outdoor meals. Four group sites available for reservation; the Large, Stage and Upper sites all accommodate 250 people each. The small site can hold up to 75. Make your online picnic reservation here.

Fishing

EBMUD plants trout during the fall, winter, and spring months, and plants catfish in the summer. Come to the visitor center to pick up basic fishing tackle and bait to get a line in the water. A daily fishing access permit is required.

Boating

Rent rowboats, pedal boats and kayaks at the Visitor Center. If you bring your own boat, there is a launch area (fees apply), and you will need to have your boat inspected to keep EBMUD waterways safe from Quagga mussels. Gasoline engines and trailers are not allowed.

Hiking

There are two main trails at Lafayette Reservoir. The Lakeside Nature Trail (paved, 2.7 miles) and the Rim Trail (unpaved, 4.7 miles). Additionally, there are 928 acres of open space for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and enjoying beautiful vistas.

Biking

Bicyclists and people on roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until closing and on Sundays from opening until 11:00 a.m. on the paved Lakeside Trail and roads.

Bring your dogs

Dogs are allowed. Animal leashes may NOT be longer than 6 feet in length.

Invasive mussel prevention 

Learn about requirements for boaters that help prevent the introduction of invasive mussels into EBMUD waters.

Photo gallery of Lafayette Reservoir