DCR Watershed Plans

View the plans used to protect the drinking water supply for 2.7 million people in the greater Boston area.

DCR is continuously planning to maintain the superior water quality in the Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River, and Wachusett Reservoir watersheds.  DCR is also responsible for the emergency water supply from the Sudbury and Foss Reservoirs.

There are three critical components to the planning process for each watershed in the DCR/MWRA Water Supply System:

1. Public Access Plan -  describes the management policies that allow people to recreate on DWSP lands while still protecting water quality.
2. Land Management Plan - a thorough description of the watershed’s physical features, the natural resources on DWSP property, and the variety of techniques used by the agency to enhance water quality, including land protection and forest and wildlife management.
3. Watershed Protection Plan - takes information from the Public Access Plan and Land Management Plan and integrates water monitoring findings and other studies to create an action plan that is the basis for an annual Work Plan and budget.

There are also other plans and reports that aid in developing each of these plans.

This comprehensive approach to watershed planning has made it possible for MWRA to maintain a waiver from federal filtration requirements and make DCR DWSP a national model. While consultants are utilized when necessary for specific expertise, the vast majority of these plans and outreach material are developed by DWSP staff. 

Annual Work Plan

The Water Supply Protection Trust is a five person board of trustees responsible for approving the Office of Watershed Management Annual Work Plan and Budget each spring for the following fiscal year beginning in July.

Current Work Plan

FY2026 DCR Watershed Management Work Plan

Past Work Plans

• FY2025 DCR Watershed Management Work Plan

Final Reports

• FY2025 Watershed Management Annual Work Plan Final Report

Watershed Protection Plan

The Watershed Protection Plan is a guide to provide high quality drinking water. It integrates DWSP efforts that affect both public and private watershed lands. The plan is an important part of the MWRA filtration waiver. The plan sets five-year goals and objectives. The Annual Work Plan has specific tasks to achieve these goals.

DCR Watershed Protection Plan FY24-FY28

Public Access Management Plans

Public use of water supply property is a complex and sometimes controversial issue. Any human activity on or near a drinking water supply has the potential to cause pollution. Managers are especially concerned about fecal waste.

Watershed residents and the general public value the reservoirs and surrounding land. DWSP carefully develops policies for public access and recreation on water supply property. DWSP allows activities that do not risk water supply quality, safety, or security.

• Quabbin Reservoir Watershed System Public Access Management Plan Update (2018)
• Ware River Watershed Public Access Management Plan Update (2023)
• Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Public Access Plan Update (2023)
• Sudbury and Foss Reservoirs Public Access Plan 2022 Update

Land Management Plans

The Land Management Plan outlines activities occurring on DWSP owned property.  It covers the Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River, Wachusett Reservoir, and Sudbury Reservoir watersheds. The plan details a wide range of programs that DWSP has developed to fulfill its mission:

• Land Protection
• Management of Forested Areas
• Management of Non-Forested Areas
• Wildlife Management
• Protection of Cultural Resources.

2017 Land Management Plan 

Invasive Species

DCR DWSP Aquatic Invasive Species Management and Response Plan (2025)

Terrestrial Invasive Plants: Problem Statement and Management Strategy (2011)

Other Plans

Quabbin Park Cemetery Management Plan

Please submit a request to DCR for other plans produced prior to 2025.