HOW WATER GETS TO YOUR TAP

Protected Reservoirs

MWRA's water comes from the Quabbin Reservoir, about 65 miles west of Boston, and the Wachusett Reservoir, about 35 miles west of Boston. The two reservoirs combined supply an average of approximately 200 million gallons per day to consumers.The Quabbin alone can hold a supply of five-year supply of water.

The reservoirs are filled naturally. Rain and snow fall onto watersheds (protected land around reservoirs) and eventually turn into streams that flow into reservoirs. This water comes into contact with soil, rock, plants and other material as it follows its path. This process helps to clean the water, and it can also dissolve and carry very small amounts of material into the reservoir.

The Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs are protected. Over 85% of the watershed lands that surround the reservoirs are covered in forest and wetlands. About 75% of the total watershed land cannot be built on. The natural undeveloped watersheds help to keep MWRA water clean and clear. Also, to ensure safety, the streams and the reservoirs are tested often and patrolled daily by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Because they are well-protected, the water in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs is considered to be of very high quality.

More information: Massachusetts Water Supply Protection Trust (MA DCR)

Generating Power as it Goes

Quabbin water enters the Wachusett Reservoir at Oakdale and circulates for eight months before being drawn off in Clinton. Electric power is generated as the water both enters and leaves the reservoirs.

Tested Each Step of the Way

MWRA tests over 1,600 water samples per month, from the reservoirs all the way to household taps. Annual and monthly test results are posted on mwra.com.

Treatment

MWRA's licensed treatment operators treat drinking water according to strict state and federal regulations.

Water Treatment Steps for Metro West and Metro Boston Communities Water for most MWRA communities (except Chicopee, South Hadley Fire District #1 and Wilbraham) is treated at the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant at Walnut Hill in Marlborough. Water from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs enters the plant through the Cosgrove or Wachusett Aqueduct. The treated water leaves leaves the plant through the MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel and the Hultman Aqueduct. Treatment Current Dose Purpose Ozone 1.5-4.0 mg/l Primary disinfectant, to achieve 99.9% Giardia inactivation Sodium bisulfite 0.0-3.5 mg/l To remove ozone Ultraviolet Light   Second primary disinfectant, to inactivate chemically resistant parasites such as Cryptosporidium Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) 3-4 mg/l For residual disinfection, to protect water as it travels through the pipe network Hydrofluorosilicic acid (fluoride) 0.7 mg/l For dental health Aqueous ammonia 0.6-0.85 mg/l To combine with chlorine to form monochloramine for residual disinfection Sodium carbonate 35-37 mg/l To raise the alkalinity of the water for pH buffering; to minimize lead and copper leaching from home plumbing Carbon dioxide 4.5-8.5 mg/l To adjust pH to final level

 

Water Treatment Steps for Chicopee Valley Area Communities Water for Chicopee, South Hadley Fire District #1 and Wilbraham is treated at the William A Brutsch Water Treatment Facility in Ware, Massachusetts. Water from the Quabbin Reservoir is treated at the facility and treated water water leaves the plant through the Chicopee Valley Aqueduct. Each community further treats the water to reduce the chances that lead and copper from home plumbing could dissolve into tap water. Treatment Purpose Chlorine Primary disinfectant, to achieve 99.9 percent Giardia inactivation, as well as residual disinfectant Ultraviolet Light Second primary disinfectant, to inactivate chemically resistant parasites such as Cryptosporidium

Toward Your Community

For MetroWest and Metro Boston Communities - treated water is sent through the MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel and the Hultman Aqueduct and is stored in covered tanks. From there it is drawn into distribution mains and many smaller community pipes. Water meters log the water entering each community.

Chicopee Valley Area Communities - treated water is sent through the Chicopee Valley Aqueduct to local distribution mains and smaller community pipes. Water meters log the water entering each community.

Into Your Home

Local pipes serve each street and eventually carry water into buildings. Meters installed by the local community measure the amount of water delivered to each home or business.

Back to top

Updated March 29, 2023