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Dive Site Comments > Lake Hydra, was Dutch Springs
MDW - 4/22/2024 4:42 PM
Just did a NAUI Rescue Diver class at the new Lake Hydra (formerly the warehouse parking lot formerly known as "Dutch Springs" (formerly the Lehigh Cement Company (now known as East Penn Sanitation Transfer Station) Quarry)). Though the entrance and surrounding areas have changed significantly, under water it is much the same as the old days (before the "Aqua Park" and all the other non-diving nonsense). Visibility is really good right now, since the water is still in the 40s F and there have only been probably less than 100 divers in there this year. See some pics here: facebook.com/jamie.lichner/posts/pfbid02HMccF1z1...VQwM7mb2MCaUHJQnkE7l and here: facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10231400865114339&set=pcb.10231400868554425
MDW - 4/22/2024 4:22 PM
Admins: You should remove references to what "Dutch Springs" formerly did on the land and water currently owned and operated by Trammell Crow and Lake Hydra SCUBA.

"Dutch Springs is CLOSED." - true, but not relevant to Lake Hydra, which is now open.
"Located in the beautiful Lehigh Valley, Dutch Springs is a little more adventure... A little more extreme... above and below the surface! Besides scuba diving, there is an aqua park, you can go camping, and climb their rock wall and ropes course." - Lake Hydra has none of these auxiliary activities and will not at any time in the foreseeable future; it’s SCUBA diving only, and only with an insured dive pro.
"Contact Information 610-759-2270 | More Info" - This is not the phone number for Lake Hydra, and the link should point to "lakehydra.com" (not "dutchsprings.com").
MDW - 4/22/2024 3:55 PM
We’ve been there the past 3 weekends, cleaning platforms and other submerged objects to enable a pleasant experience for divers and their chaperones (dive pros) upon opening next weekend. As stated below, all divers, whether certified or still in training, must be accompanied by an insured dive professional. This is, in part, due to the overall lake supervision model being significantly different under the new ownership of the lake. Some other things you will notice are that there are now 2 giant warehouses where the gates, fields, parking lots, cabins, store, and sky challenge used to be. There are 2 entrances, so you need to reserve your team’s admission to one side or the other. There is a walking path between the two sides, but you cannot drive across without exiting one side and being admitted at the other entrance. Of course you could swim from one side to the other, but you would have to swim or walk back to your car. Speaking of cars, due to the greatly reduced land area at Lake Hydra, your team (divers, students, and dive pros) will be required to carpool into the site (i.e. meet up elsewhere and combine your people and gear into as few vehicles as possible). Consider the entrance like an HOV lane. They will not let you in with 1 person per vehicle (within reason - for example 1 person in a truck with the gear for 4 more people following in 1 car should be OK).
WilsonR - 6/25/2023 5:49 AM
The new name is Lake Hydra. When Lake Hydra opens, all divers will be required to be accompanied by a certified and insured dive professional (instructor or divemaster). lakehydra.com/
Griffith - 11/09/2022 10:58 PM
I went scuba diving here on 9/23/2007. Average viz: 16-20ft/5-6m. Water temp: 50-55°F/10-13°C.
RandyW - 5/22/2022 7:49 AM
looking for a dive buddy for sometime in June on the weekends
MDW - 6/07/2022 8:24 PM
I will be there for the last day ever for "Dutch Springs" on Sunday June 12, if you’d like to join me.
pmnc - 3/07/2022 6:37 PM
I thought it was going to be open to everyone. Am I wrong?
thanos - 3/07/2022 8:24 PM
it’s an on going development but as of 12/2021 only training groups (dive masters and the like) can dive there. if you want to dive it has to be under a DM.
armaniballesteros - 5/15/2022 4:06 PM
It is and it will be open to everyone, However no air refills. make sure you get a dive buddy before you go there. For more information go to there website.
thanos - 3/07/2022 6:16 PM
Hey all, now that Dutch will be only accessible to trainers/DMs where is everyone going to do things like gear check dives before hitting the ocean? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks
armaniballesteros - 6/13/2022 9:58 PM
is open to everyone, until further notice
ChristopherBurgert - 3/11/2023 3:40 PM
I dive every other weekend in Point Pleasant and Maclearie Park in NJ. They’re saltwater, but they’re back bays. Maclearie Park is used for training. If you want to buddy up let me know.
tardigrade - 11/01/2021 10:45 AM
I’m trying to do some dives at Dutch Springs on Nov 7th, 13th, and 14th since those are the last days of the season and probably ever since they are closing. I want to see the few things I haven’t seen in the quarry before it’s closed. I just went on Saturday and the visibility was great! Let me know if anyone will be there then or wants to dive with me on any of those dates. 81 dives rescue diver. -Michael-
randomlyon - 11/04/2021 1:44 AM
DMed
dkalbach - 11/04/2021 3:22 AM
tardigrade - I should be there on those days. I will have concerns over the temps (wetsuit) but planning on diving if possible. Feel free to reach out to me via Text (484) 332-0442
tardigrade - 11/05/2021 1:03 AM
Great! Thank you
Medicgray - 9/16/2021 2:51 AM
looking to buddy up on friday 9/17, around 10-11?
Stephanie225 - 9/12/2021 7:08 AM
Anyone up for diving on Sunday morning, 9/18?
Stephanie225 - 9/12/2021 7:11 AM
Sunday 9/19
JasonDiver - 9/11/2021 12:31 PM
Anyone up for diving Sunday 9/12? Looking to get a few dives in
JohnDiver123 - 8/26/2021 6:43 PM
Save Dutch Springs. Join the Dutch Springs Preservation Society Facebook page at:

facebook.com/groups/570364844147952/?ref=share

We need more supporters!!
SpacemanCraig - 8/21/2021 8:08 PM
Rating Added: 4
Very well established and ran fresh water dive park. Tons to see and do. Heard the rumor they were closing so had to check it out before it’s gone.
ChristopherBurgert - 8/22/2021 12:34 PM
It’s not a rumour, unfortunately it has already been sold to become warehouses.
JasonDiver - 8/21/2021 10:46 AM
short notice, but anyone up for diving sunday 8/22 morning? looking to get a few dives in.
dkalbach - 8/21/2021 10:51 AM
I would but heading to work today - Did you ever make it out last week? We looked for you but never heard back
dkalbach - 8/16/2021 8:15 AM
Dive Friday August 20th? Working towards Master Diver, like to get 3 dives in.
mike500 - 8/14/2021 8:04 AM
Hi Drake I’m here now. What are you driving?
Ryanvision - 8/12/2021 2:35 PM
Hi there all,

I would love to see if someone was available for a Dutch Springs dive on either Aug 18 or Aug 19, anytime, you tell me. Thanks!
Ironmaria - 8/14/2021 9:39 PM
Ryan, the Warehouse Parking Lot Dive Buddies has a facebook page I recommend you follow. They meet at Dutch Springs on Thursdays.
mike500 - 8/11/2021 4:26 PM
Hi drake, I’m lookin for a buddy Saturday 14th. Can you be there at 8:00?
DrakeH - 8/11/2021 4:30 PM
Hey Mike, yes I’ll plan to be there at 8:00
dkalbach - 8/13/2021 7:12 AM
Drake and Mike - I’ll be there Saturday the 14th, looking for a buddy if you guys don’t mind one more
mike500 - 8/13/2021 2:41 PM
Hi Drake , TGIF. Just confirming for tomorrow 8:00. I’ll be there a little early. Let’s try to be in the water by 8:30. Goin be hot
DrakeH - 8/13/2021 10:32 PM
Sounds good dkalbach! We can all link up. Yeah Mike I’ll do what I can to be there by 8. I gotta rent tanks and weights so I’ll be ready when possible. I might want test out my camera a bit near the surface, so I may not be rushing right in. Just a heads up!
dkalbach - 8/14/2021 5:38 AM
Mike, I hadn’t heard back from anyone - so I hooked up with another group. We are all diving by the Pump House so I’m sure we can all join up and have Good Dives. We’ll be at the Cove
mike500 - 8/11/2021 4:18 PM
Hi drake, I’m lookin for a buddy Saturday 14th. Can you be there at 8:00?