Find rules and maps that describe public access activities in DCR's drinking water supply watersheds.
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- This page, DCR Watershed Public Access Rules and Maps, is offered by
- DCR Office of Watershed Management
- Department of Conservation & Recreation
DCR Watershed Public Access Rules and Maps
DCR Division of Water Supply Protection (DWSP) manages over 100,000 acres of land and 30,000 acres of water across the watershed system that provides the source waters to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for treatment and distribution to more than three million people.
Public access and recreational uses of water supply property are complex issues. Any human activity on or near water supply source waters can introduce disease-causing agents or pollutants to the drinking water supply. Water supply managers must exercise caution when considering policies for public access and recreation on water supply lands.
DWSP and MWRA must meet strict state and federal laws as one of the few unfiltered drinking water supplies in the nation. At the same time these reservoirs and lands are valuable natural resources that attract the public to explore and recreate. DWSP's public access management plans determine the levels of access that may be reasonably allowed without risking water supply safety, security, or quality.
Table of Contents
Rules and Regulations
All of DWSP's Public Access Policies are based on 313 CMR 11.09, the General Rules and Regulations for the Protection of Watersheds and Watershed System.
Watershed Protection General Rules and Regulations 313 CMR 11.09
Each of the four watersheds have policies developed through a Public Access Management Plan. The maps below reflect these policies.
Quabbin Reservoir Watershed
The Gate 30 parking area off Route 122 in New Salem, and all access to the Quabbin Reservation from this location, is closed as of July 10, 2021. The road just inside Gate 30 crosses the Swift River over a keystone bridge; DCR engineers have determined that damage to both the bridge and road make them no longer safe for public use until repairs can be completed. DCR recommends using Gate 29 on Route 202 to access this section of the Quabbin Reservation.
Interactive Map
The Division of Water Supply Protection has developed an interactive map with detailed information about public access roads and trails around the Quabbin Reservoir. There are two ways to access this map: one is an online program that is accessible from your desktop computer or mobile device’s web browser; the other is through an App you can download directly to your mobile device and use in the field. The mobile device App is recommended for use in the field.
Please see the Instructions for Using the Quabbin Reservoir Public Access Road and Trail Interactive Map for information about the mobile app.
Quabbin Park Access
- DCR Quabbin Park Access Map (Automobiles, Bicycles, and Pedestrians)
- DCR Quabbin Park Visitor Center Loop Trail Map (Pedestrian only)
- Quabbin Park Bicycle Access
- Brochures
Quabbin Park Brochure
Quabbin Park Visitor Center Loop Trail Brochure
Quabbin Park Middle Gate to Observation Tower Trail Brochure
Be a History Detective at Quabbin Reservoir! This is a DCR Trip-Tip Itinerary. Discover three unique areas in the Quabbin Reservation that spotlight what life was like before four towns were removed to build the reservoir.
Bicycle Access
- Quabbin Reservoir Bicycle Brochure
- Quabbin Park Bicycle Access
- East Quabbin Reservation Bicycle Access
- North Quabbin Reservation Bicycle Access
- Quabbin Off-Reservation Bicycle Access
Fishing Access
- Quabbin Reservoir Boat and Shore Fishing Access
- Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Map
- Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Night Access
Other Access
Additional Resources
Ware River Watershed
- Ware River Watershed System
- 2010 Ware River Watershed Public Access Summary
- Ware River Watershed DCR Designated Horseback Riding Routes
- Ware River Watershed DCR Authorized Bicycle Routes
- Ware River Watershed DCR Designated Road Access
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Designated Snowmobile Access Map A
- Designated Snowmobile Access Map B
Additional Resources
Wachusett Reservoir Watershed
- 2011 Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Public Access Summary
- Wachusett Reservoir Fishing Map and Rules
- Wachusett Reservoir Forest Roads and Gates
- Wachusett Watershed Bike Routes
- Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Public Access Protection Zones
- Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Intake Protection Zone
- Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Reservoir and Tributary Shoreline Zone
- Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Tributary Headwaters Protection Zone
Additional Resources
Sudbury Reservoir Watershed
Additional Resources
Contact
Phone
Address
100 Winsor Dam Rd.
Belchertown , MA 01007
Belchertown , MA 01007