The town of Clarkstown and Suez Water have come up with a plan to keep a reservoir safe while also satisfying residents who were upset about added protective fencing.

Lake DeForest in Clarkstown is a 4-mile, 6 billion gallon reservoir that supplies 30 percent of Rockland County residents with drinking water.

Bill Madden, of Suez Water, says the Department of Homeland Security wanted a fence placed around the entire water body, but homeowners had concerns about wild animal habitats being disrupted and feared a chain-link fence with barbed wire across the top would drive down property values.

In November, Suez began erecting a chain-link fence along Strawtown Road, but neighbors who live there say the fence doesn't do anything for security and is ugly.

"A fence isn't going to keep people out, the people that live here watch out for the community, watch out for the water, you think this fence is going to keep anyone out that wants to get in, that's a joke," said one resident.

Now, Suez and the town of Clarkstown have come up with a new plan that will require no new fencing. The plan to protect Lake DeForest includes increased fines for dumping, trespassing and littering, a hotline to report suspicious incidents and increased police patrols.

The fence will stay, but will be painted black to blend in. The barbed wire will come down.

The legislation will be introduced by Clarkstown officials in the coming weeks.