DRINKING WATER FROM RESERVOIRS

When Quabbin Reservoir first became one, it was extremely well protected. There were no boaters permitted, no swimming, and no hiking around the perimeter for fear that hikers might not have porta-potty facilities and thus pollute the ground around.

However, since then, a group of dispossessed residents by Quabbin developers attest to visiting the reservoir on a yearly anniversary party basis where they claim to express their anger at the displacement by peeing into the water. As gross as this may sound, it may not be any worse than what the wildlife does to it. Nevertheless, it shows the carelessness that pervades our current society.

There are now pleasure boaters allowed. While not certain, I did not hear that they were limited to sail/wind power. It seems just another addition of pollution. Obviously, if purified, more junk has to be added, no doubt. Nevertheless, having tasted water in surrounding town that do not use Quabbin water, I have to admit the water from the reservoir makes excellent drinking water though not near the quality of good Vermont spring water.

To hear more about the latest threat to the water, click here.

For the story behind this, click here.

In Waltham there are other reservoirs that do not provide Waltham residents with their water supply. Directly adjacent to Route 95N/128, neither swimming nor bloating is allowed. However, one might ask about the pollution from the traffic off the highway. If anyone wonders about taking a cooling dip in one, check this site out that talks about the safety issues.