Blog Post  The Quabbin Reservoir and the Laws That Shaped It

[Pictured above: A map of the Quabbin Reservoir.]

If you have ever looked at a map of Massachusetts, you might have noticed a massive body of water between Worcester and Northampton in the middle of the state. While it is huge it was not always there.

The Quabbin Reservoir, one of the largest man-made water supplies in the United States, was created to provide drinking water to the Boston metropolitan area. 

According to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the 412-billion-gallon reservoir covers 39 square miles with 181 miles of shoreline. While hiking, fishing, and boating are welcomed, recreational activities are regulated to protect the drinking water of 3 million people.

Its history is marked by complex legal, environmental, and social aspects, primarily driven by the need to secure a reliable water source for the growing population of Boston and its surrounding areas.

Background and Legal Foundation

The creation of the Quabbin Reservoir was a massive undertaking that involved flooding several towns in the Swift River Valley. The legal foundation for this project is rooted in a series of legislative acts that date back to the early 20th century. Among these, Chapter 375 of the Acts of 1926 was particularly significant, as it outlined the expansion of the metropolitan water system to include additional water sources, including the Ware and Swift Rivers.

This act established a special metropolitan district water supply commission, tasked with overseeing the development of the water supply system. The commission had broad authority, including diverting water from the Ware River, acquiring land through eminent domain, and constructing necessary infrastructure such as aqueducts and tunnels. This legislative framework was crucial in enabling the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir.

Key Provisions of Chapter 375 of the Acts of 1926

1. Establishment of the Commission: The act created a special commission consisting of the commissioner of the metropolitan district commission and two associate commissioners appointed by the governor. This commission was responsible for expanding and increasing the water supply of the metropolitan water system, with a specific focus on diverting water from the Ware and Swift Rivers.
2. Authority to Divert Water: The act authorized the commission to divert floodwaters from the Ware River into the Wachusett Reservoir, a key component of the metropolitan water system. This diversion was to be carried out in a manner that would not interfere with industrial processes or public health, and it was specifically designed to be expandable to include future diversions from the Swift River, which would later become part of the Quabbin Reservoir project.
3. Eminent Domain and Land Acquisition: The commission was granted the power to take land, water rights, and other property by eminent domain to extend the metropolitan water system. This included taking lands within the Swift River watershed in preparation for the development of the Quabbin Reservoir. The act detailed the process for such takings, including assessing and paying damages to affected property owners.
4. Construction and Maintenance of Infrastructure: The act allowed the commission to construct aqueducts, tunnels, dams, and other necessary infrastructure to divert and store water. It also provided for the maintenance and operation of these works once completed, ensuring that they would be integrated into the existing metropolitan water system.
5. Financial Provisions: The act authorized the issuance of bonds to finance the construction of the water supply infrastructure, with a total amount not exceeding fifteen million dollars. The expenses for maintaining and operating the new infrastructure were to be added to the annual assessments of the cities and towns within the metropolitan water district.
6. Legal and Regulatory Oversight: The act included provisions for judicial oversight to ensure compliance with its terms. It also prohibited the construction of new dams on the Ware River or its tributaries without the consent of the commission, further protecting the integrity of the water supply system.
7. Impact on Local Communities: The act recognized the impact of the project on local communities, particularly those within the Ware and Swift River watersheds. It provided mechanisms for these towns to continue using water from the Ware River for local needs, subject to fair compensation to the Commonwealth.
8. Worcester’s Role: The city of Worcester was authorized to acquire additional water from the Quinapoxet River and other sources within the watershed to meet its growing needs. This provision highlighted the broader regional impact of the metropolitan water system and the interconnectedness of the water supply infrastructure across different communities.

Social and Environmental Impact

The creation of the Quabbin Reservoir had profound social and environmental impacts. The construction of the reservoir led to the displacement of several towns in the Swift River Valley, including Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott. These towns were disincorporated, and their residents were forced to relocate, losing homes, farms, and entire communities¹.

Environmentally, the project transformed the landscape of the Swift River Valley, creating one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the United States. The Quabbin Reservoir now serves as a critical water supply for millions. Still, its creation came at a significant cost to the local environment and the communities that once thrived there.

The Ongoing History

The legal history of the Quabbin Reservoir is a testament to the complexities involved in managing water resources for a growing population. The Acts of 1926 and related legislation provided the necessary legal framework to create a reliable water supply for the Boston metropolitan area, but they also underscored the difficult trade-offs between public necessity and the rights of local communities. The Quabbin Reservoir remains a vital part of Massachusetts' water infrastructure, with a legacy that continues to shape the region's social and environmental landscape.

Additional resources

Shira Stoll, “The Dividing Scar: Massachusetts and The Four Lost Towns,” nbcboston.com, published April 26, 2022, updated Mary 9, 2022, accessed October 7, 2024.

Swift River Valley Historical Society
"[T]he leading resource in preserving the artifacts, stories and records of the lost towns of the Quabbin Valley."

Footnotes

¹ Ben Cosgrove, “Drowned Towns: Preserving the Lost Communities of the Swift River Valley,” The Harvard Advocate (Winter 2009).