Deer Island Tours: More Information
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

Important Security Information For All Tours

Prior reservations are required for all tours of MWRA facilities. Upon reserving a tour, visitors will receive a security form. Domestic visitors are required to complete and submit their form to MWRA Security 7 days in advance of their tour. International guests are required to submit their completed form 14 days in advance, along with copies of their passports. NO PETS are allowed on facility tours. Only service animals trained to perform a specific task for the benefit of a person with a disability are permitted. 

Tours for the General Public and Adult Groups | Student/School Tours

Deer Island Public Access
School Programs

Tours for the General Public, Professional Gand Other Adult Tour Groups

When Deer Island Tours Are Conducted

The MWRA offers tours of Deer Island each month from April through November beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesdays and Fridays only.

How to Schedule a Tour

The MWRA offers tours of Deer Island to the public, professional groups and other adult groups. To participate in a public tour, or for more information, you must first contact the Deer Island Tour Line at (617) 660-7607.

Important Security Information

For security purposes, every prospective visitor who wishes to take a tour Deer Island is required to fill out and submit, at least seven days in advance, a form authorizing release of information to MWRA Security. Individuals requesting a tour will be assigned a tour appointment or linked with an already scheduled tour.  Please contact the Deer Island Tour Line at (617) 660-7607 for more information. NO PETS are allowed on facility tours. Only service animals trained to perform a specific task for the benefit of a person with a disability are permitted. 

Directions to Deer Island

Deer Island, which connects to the town of Winthrop, Masschusetts, is accessible by car and public transportation.

By Car (updated 08/21/20):

• For GPS, the address to use is 190 Tafts Avenue, Winthrop, MA 02152.
• From Boston, the Callahan or the Ted Williams Tunnel, follow Route 1A North, McClellan Highway, until first traffic light.
• Take right on Boardman Street to rotary, go half way around and continue on Saratoga Street
• After passing “Entering Winthrop” sign take first right onto Pleasant Street (Route 145)
• Discontinue following Route 145.
• At “Stop” sign take a right on Shirley Street
• Follow Shirley Street to Elliot Street take a right and follow Elliot Street around to the left.
• Take a right on to Tafts Avenue and follow to the end. (Please note the speed limit is 20 MPH)
• Parking for public alkways are offered at the head of the island. Please obey all parking restrictions and do not park within the Winthrop neighborhoods.
• For visitors of the Teatment Plant, please proceed past the visitor's parking lot and check in at the staffed Security Gate. All guests must be pre-registered to gain entrance to the plant.

Printer-Friendly Driving Directions (PDF)

By Public Transportation: The Town of Winthrop Chamber of Commerce website includes information about Town of Winthrop bus services to Deer Island.

Group Tours for Schools, Students or Educators

Grade and School Eligibility Requirements

Group tours of Deer Island are offered to 7-12 grade students of schools located in the MWRA service area.

We must stand firm on our policy of grade 7 and above. For younger students, we offer a 2.6-mile public walkway around the perimeter of the Deer Island Treatment Plant that can be used by anyone, and a free downloadable MWRA Deer Island Bingo Game (PDF) to enhance your walk. You may also request a video tour of Deer Island for your students to view if you wish to take advantage of the public walkway.

Group Size Limits

We can only accommodate one bus load of students at a time.

Transportation To and On Deer Island

We do not charge for tours, but you will be responsible for all transportation costs associated with this field trip. If you arrive by bus, the bus will be used for touring the island. If you arrive by car and your group is 14 or fewer visitors, there is an MWRA vehicle to transport the group around the island. If your group is larger than 14 visitors and you arrive by boat or public transportation, the tour will be a walking tour. Directions for driving and public transportation to Deer Island

Tour Duration

The tour takes between 1.5 to 2.0 hours.

Tour Itinerary

All student tours will begin with a one-hour Down the Drain presentation. This is an interactive presentation that answers the questions: What is wastewater?...Where does it come from and where does it go? The presentation depicts each stage of the wastewater treatment process.

After learning the basics of wastewater treatment, the tour will begin in the historic pump station, where students learn about the history of Deer Island. The group will then visit the South System Pump Station, Digester Road, and the disinfection/discharge area.

How to Schedule a Tour

Contact Nadia Caines, our Deer Island Tour Coordinator, at Nadia.Caines@mwra.com or at (617) 660-7607. Please provide as much lead time as possible.