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Quabbin Reservoir Wachusetts Reservoir at sunrise Where does Boston's drinking water come from? Two source reservoirs in central and western Massachusetts: the Quabbin and the Wachusetts Reservoirs. In addition to the reservoirs, the system includes surface aqueducts, covered storage tanks, treatment facilities and deep rock tunnels. This system is known as the Metropolitan Boston Water System. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) jointly manage the Metropolitan Boston Water System. As mentioned from my previous post, MWRA provides treatment and distribution of drinking water to 50 communities in the metropolitan area, including Boston. The DCR manages the lands adjacent to the source reservoirs and is responsible for keeping the reservoirs free from water quality contamination to the greatest extent possible. Lastly, Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) delivers the water to homes and businesses throughout the City of Boston. The Quabbin and Wachusetts combined, supplied an average of 214 mgd (millions of gallon a day) to consumers in 2007. The safe yield of the reservoir system is 320 mgd. Treatment of the water includes ozone disinfection, pH adjustment with sodium bicarbonate, and the addition of chloramines and fluoride. Water leaves the plant through the Metrowest Water Supply Tunnel and is stored in covered storage tanks. Sources: |
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