Quabbin Reservoir

reservoir, Massachusetts

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

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The Quabbin Reservoir is a significant water source located in west-central Massachusetts, serving the metropolitan Boston area. It was constructed by damming a river and became operational in 1939. The creation of this reservoir involved the displacement of 2,500 people and the flooding of four towns: Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott.12

The reservoir covers 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) and is considered one of the world's largest man-made domestic water supplies. It is one of the main water systems in Massachusetts, which has 19 primary river systems, including the Connecticut, Charles, and Merrimack rivers.12

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Massachusetts
Drainage
…gets its drinking water from Quabbin Reservoir in the western part of the state. The world’s largest man-made domestic water supply, it was built between 1933 and 1939 and required the displacement of 2,500 people and four towns (Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott) to provide water for dozens of towns…
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…gets its drinking water from Quabbin Reservoir in the western part of the state. The world’s largest man-made domestic water supply, it was built between 1933 and 1939 and required the displacement of 2,500 people and four towns (Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott) to provide water for dozens of towns…
Read More