For one family in Chester and Delaware Counties, fishing on the Octoraro Reservoir—lovingly referred to by locals as Octoraro Lake—is more than a pastime; it’s a cherished tradition passed down through four generations. From the earliest days in a 1953 station wagon packed with rods and tackle boxes to today’s shoreline memories with grandchildren, the lake has been a constant source of joy, learning, and connection to nature.
“My dad used to pile us into the car with my brothers and neighborhood friends,” recalls a retired local teacher, Ron Citerone of Ridley Township. “We’d stop at streams to catch minnows and then head to the lake for a full day of fishing. Our go-to catch was Crappie [a North American freshwater fish], which we’d clean and fry together back home.”
But the deeper lessons came from his father’s example: “He taught us to respect the environment—follow regulations, only keep what you’ll eat, leave no trash behind, and pick up what others left. I’ve passed those same values to my children and grandchildren.”
Now retired, Ron shares the Octoraro Lake with his grandkids. “They love the whole process—from casting to frying up panfish. If they get a catch-and-release, they’ll snap a picture with their phones and let the fish go.”
For this family, Octoraro Lake—managed by the Chester Water Authority (CWA)—is far more than a fishing hole. It’s a public treasure.
“Because my daughter lives in Lincoln University, this lake is our spot. It has bathrooms, a bait shop, and easy access. I met other grandparents there doing the same—sharing nature with their grandkids,” Ron recalls.
But that access to the reservoir is under serious threat. In recent years, CWA has been targeted for privatization—a move that could cut off public access to the lake, raise rates for water customers, and strip local control from the community.
Those who spend time by the reservoir understand that this water is more than a resource. It’s a teacher, a mirror, and a living part of the community.
“While CWA holds legal title to much of the land that serves as containment for the Octoraro and bears responsibility for managing the reservoir, who the water belongs to is another matter entirely. Just as we cannot govern the trees that line its banks, we are not masters of the water itself. Instead, the CWA board, employees, ratepayers, and the reservoir’s anglers, hikers, and birdwatchers serve as stewards—temporary caretakers entrusted with its care. The water sustains wildlife, supports ecosystems, and brings families together. In many ways, it is the water that governs our actions,” remarks Noel Brandon, CWA Board Chair.
“If Octoraro Lake were no longer open to the public, it would break my heart,” Ron says. “My grandkids are the fourth generation fishing here. I already lost Springton and West Chester Reservoirs. This is what I have left to share—and I want to show them the whole lake by boat, just like my dad did for me.”
The family has joined the growing SAVE CWA movement, advocating to keep the Authority public and protect public access to Octoraro Reservoir. “My wife and I have emailed legislators, put signs on our lawn, attended the PA Supreme Court hearing, and spoken out at Delaware County Council meetings. We’re not staying silent.”
As lifelong educators, Ron and his wife, Hollie Citerone, know how much access to nature matters for kids. “We’ve seen school groups, families, and even Amish children using the lake. Natural spaces are being shut off to the public at an alarming rate—and once they’re gone, they don’t come back.”
“If I could speak directly to those considering privatization, I’d say this: you’re not just selling water. You’re selling memories. You’re selling the community. You’re taking away something irreplaceable. CWA is too valuable to sell.”
For the Citerone family and all families living in Delaware County, Chester County, Lancaster County and the City of Chester, the Octoraro Reservoir is more than a lake. It’s a legacy worth protecting. CWA has provided clean, affordable, award-winning water and protected the Octoraro Reservoir, the watershed, and its surrounding lands since 1939. Keeping CWA public means preserving not only water—but the memories and traditions it sustains.
To learn more or take action, visit www.SaveCWA.org.
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