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Period: to
The Building of the Quabbin Reservoir
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Wachusett Reservoir Completed
The Wachusett Reservoir is completed at a cost of $11million. It is the largest water supply reservoir in the world with a 65 billion gallon capacity. -
Joint Board Created
A Joint Board of the newly created Metropolitan District Commission(MDC) and the Department of Public Health is created. Initial studies of additional water supplies include diversion of the Miller, Swift and Ware Rivers at a proposed cost of $65 million. -
Joint Board Report
Joint Board report of the MDC and the Department of Public Health is filed. It recommends taking water from the Ware River and creating a massive reservoir in the Swift River Valley. -
Ware River Act Passes
Ware River Act passes, appropriating funds for the construction of a 12 mile long aquaduct from the Ware River to the Wachusett Reservoir. Metropolitan District Water Supply Commission is set up to run the project. Frank Winsor is appointed Chief Engineer of the Quabbin Project. -
Swift River Act Passes
Swift River Act passes appropriating money for the construction of a reservoir in the Swift River Valley -
US Supreme Court Rules in favor of Commonwealth
US Supreme Court rules in favor of Massachusetts in a suit brought by the state of Connecticut over riparian (river) rights. Settlement includes an agreement to maintain the flow of the Swift River with a 20 million gallons/day release downstream of the dam. Work on the Swift River project begins. -
Quabbin Aquaduct Completed
Quabbin Aquaduct is completed. Quabbin cemetery is dedicated. Swift River Diversion tunnel is in full use, by passing water around the dam area. -
Woodpeckers Start
Woodpeckers start clearing valley of vegetation to a height 10 feet above the flood line. -
Land Taken by Eminent Domain
Remaining unbought land of Swift River Valley is taken by eminent doman. Enfield, Dana, Prescott and Greenwich are disincorporated. Farewell ball in Enfield. -
Quabbin Reservoir Begins to Fill
The quabbin reservoir begins to fill -
Aquaduct Open
First water from Quabbin Reservoir is sent through the Quabbin Aquaduct to Wachusett Reservoir. -
Quabbin Reservoir Full
Quabbin reservoir fills to capacity at 530feet above Boston City Base Level. Cost of project is $53 million. Metropoilitan Water District serves 20 cities and towns.
