Wachusett Reservoir

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Wachusett Reservoir at sunset

The Wachusett Reservoir is the second largest body of water in the state of Massachusetts. It is located in central Massachusetts, northeast of Worcester. It is part of the water supply system for metropolitan Boston.

It has an aggregate capacity of 65 billion U.S. gallons (240 million m³) and an area of almost 7 square miles (18.2 km²). Water from the Wachusett flows to the Weston Reservoir by way of the Wachusett Aqueduct. It has a maximum depth of 120 feet (36.5 m) and a mean depth of 48 feet (14.6 m).

The reservoir is fed by the Quinapoxet and Stillwater rivers, along with the Quabbin Aqueduct, which carries water from the Quabbin Reservoir.

History

In 1897, the Nashua River above the town of Clinton was impounded by the Wachusett Dam. 4,380 acres (17.5 km²) were flooded in the towns of Boylston, West Boylston, Clinton and Sterling. Work was completed in 1905 and the reservoir first filled in May 1908.

When it was built, the Wachusett Reservoir was the largest public water supply reservoir in the world and the largest body of water in Massachusetts.

Recreation and Fishing

Because the reservoir is the water supply for Boston, not all areas around it are open to the public. To assure pure water, there are a number of regulations prohibiting boats, ice fishing, wading, swimming, overnight camping, alcoholic beverages, littering, animals, bikes and motor vehicles from the reservoir and abutting property. A network of fire roads provides easy access for hikers and cross-country skiers.

As of 1999, the reservoir contained 12 native and 12 introduced species of fish. The limited access, combined with abundant, high quality habitat, produced state records for brown trout, land-locked salmon, smallmouth bass and white perch. Approximately 80% of the 37 mile (59.5 km) shoreline is usually open to angling from April 1 through November 30, depending on ice conditions.

References

[Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Wachusett Reservoir page]
[MWRA Wachusett Reservoir History]
[MassWildlife Wachusett Reservoir Fishery page]
[Historic Photos from the MIT archives]
[Mass Central Rail Trail] Rails To Trails conversion on the Central Mass line, which was rerouted during dam construction.

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