The New Jersey Reservoir Mystery

In January 1966, the Wanaque Reservoir in New Jersey became the site of multiple UFO sightings witnessed by police officers, reservoir workers, and hundreds of residents over several nights.

The Location

Wanaque Reservoir:

• Northern New Jersey
• Water supply
• Remote area
• Dark skies
• Multiple vantage points

First Night

January 11, 1966:

• Multiple calls to police
• Bright object over water
• Hovering
• Lights directed downward
• Mass sighting

Police Response

Officers observed:

• Chief John Casazza
• Sergeant Ben Thompson
• Multiple officers
• Confirmed sightings
• Official reports

The Object

Descriptions:

• Brilliant white light
• Changing colors
• Stationary then moving
• Silent
• Intelligently controlled

The Light Beams

Remarkable feature:

• Directed at water
• Probing beams
• Searchlight effect
• As if searching
• Purpose unknown

Multiple Nights

Ongoing activity:

• January 11-12, 1966
• Several nights
• Same location
• Similar objects
• Persistent phenomenon

Witness Count

Mass observation:

• Hundreds saw it
• Police officers
• Reservoir workers
• Residents
• Media personnel

Media Coverage

Extensive attention:

• Local newspapers
• Regional TV
• Wire services
• National interest
• Well-documented

The Reservoir Workers

On-site witnesses:

• Dam personnel
• Direct observation
• Close range
• Professional testimony
• Key witnesses

Flight Characteristics

Object demonstrated:

• Instant acceleration
• Hovering
• Direction changes
• High speeds
• Advanced capabilities

Investigation

Limited official:

• Local police reports
• No Air Force follow-up
• Community documented
• Witness statements
• Photographic attempts

Water Connection

Notable pattern:

• Interest in water
• Light beams into reservoir
• Common UFO theme
• Purpose speculated
• Mystery remains

Significance

Mass sighting over water source with multiple credible witnesses including law enforcement.

Legacy

The Wanaque Reservoir sightings remain one of New Jersey’s best-documented UFO events, notable for the number of witnesses and the objects’ apparent interest in the water.