Constructed in 1935, Stevens Creek Dam has a capacity of 3,465 acre-feet, a surface area of 95 acres, and a height of 120 feet. It captures rainwater runoff from Swiss, Montebello, and Stevens Creeks. The creek, dam, and reservoir bear the name of early settler Captain Elisha Stephens, whose name was later misspelled. Water stored in Stevens Creek Reservoir is released into Stevens Creek for groundwater recharge. The water seeps, or percolates, from the creek bed through the earth’s layers until it reaches underground aquifers. This percolation process helps clean the water before it reaches the underground storage basin. Much of the water used in homes in this area is pumped from underground aquifers replenished by this reservoir. The water district also releases water into Stevens Creek to sustain downstream wildlife.