PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 97 Reservoir Lore It’s rumored that the reservoir is teeming with huge trout. These tales, however, are unconfirmed since you aren’t allowed to fish (or swim) in the reservoir, and officials will slap a large fine on anyone caught with fishing gear in their possession. Wistful anglers can only dream of the impressive beasts lurking in the reservoir’s depths. d e aep dive Waters in the Wilderness To celebrate this rich history, pay a visit to the Pulgas Water Temple, a grand structure with fluted Corinthian columns just down the road. Constructed to commemorate the completion of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, it was erected right above the huge water pipe’s terminus. A plaque with a biblical inscription from Isaiah 43:20 reads: “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.” Peer down the grate-covered hole at the temple’s center and you’ll find a watery vault below. “We talked to a lot of people who were around in probably the ‘60s and ‘70s, and would go there as young people,” recalls Olivia. “Back in the day, apparently, there was no grate. So high schoolers would jump into the water temple. It was like a water slide that would then spit you out into the reservoir—which sounds terrifying, but also pretty fun!” We recommend you conclude your visit by raising your water bottle to those who found a way to bring a steady stream of water to our homes on the Bay, then taking a long, refreshing swig. PHOTOGRAPHY OF COURTESY OF: NAVANEETH KN
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