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The
Stillwater and Quinapoxet Rivers are the two major tributaries to the Wachusett
Reservoir. The Wachusett Reservoir
serves as the primary source of water for 2.5 million consumers in 43 communities
of central and eastern Massachusetts. The
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the DCR Division of Water Supply Protection, operates streamflow monitoring
gages near the mouths of both rivers. Data
recorded by instrumentation at the gages are used by the DCR to monitor flow rates,
water temperature (in degrees Celsius), and specific conductance
(in microsiemens per centimeter). At
the Stillwater River station, cumulative precipitation (in inches) is also
recorded. All of these
factors have a
significant effect on the overall quality of water within the
reservoir.
The water of the
tributaries to the Wachusett Reservoir has been of high quality
for decades with minimal
impact from point or non-point-source pollution.
The water quality is expected to remain significantly above “fishable and
swimmable” standards due in part to recent efforts by the DCR Division of Water Supply Protection.
These efforts include the purchase of open spaces in the drainage area, inspections and
remediation at locations where pollution has been released, and the review of
future development proposals for areas near the tributaries
and the Reservoir.
The objectives of the
monitoring efforts are:
(1)
Determine annual and storm-event loads of bacteria and nutrients in the
Stillwater and Quinapoxet Rivers and evaluate the representativeness of the
samples presently being collected at these sites and at other locations.
(2)
Measure stormwater flows and contaminant loads to the Wachusett Reservoir
from its two largest tributaries.
(3)
Measure the precipitation in the watersheds and relate current conditions to
monthly and annual averages to assist in reservoir operations.
The USGS and DCR have
developed this web page to provide this important information to interested
Federal, State, and local environmental agencies and the general public.
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Stillwater River, Muddy Pond Road bridge, approximately 1.5 miles upstream from
Wachusett Reservoir
Quinapoxet River approximately
3.5 miles upstream from Wachusett Reservoir
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