News from the MWRA
MWRA Asks Swimmers to Stay Out of the Fells Reservoir
Summer is here and with the warm weather, people head to the local swimming hole to beat the heat. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority wants to remind residents that swimming is not allowed at the High Fells Reservoir in Stoneham.
MWRA’s primary concern is public safety. The Fells has many rock outcroppings and swimmers who are tired or hit their heads while diving are a long way from emergency medical help. The facility is not staffed and there are no lifeguards on duty. There have been fatalities at this site in the past and more recently at nearby Spot Pond.
Protection of the public water supply is also critical. The covered storage tank was constructed as part of MWRA’s $1.7 billion program to modernize the water system, and was put into service in 1998. This facility provides the drinking water for Melrose, Saugus, Stoneham and Wakefield. However, the open reservoir, constructed in 1899, still serves as an important component of the MWRA’s emergency water supply system. In an emergency situation, the reservoir could be put into service as a drinking water supply in a very short time. Swimmers and dogs in the water pose a real threat to water quality.
The MWRA recognizes that the Fells is a valued recreational resource in the area and has worked closely with local communities over the years to maintain a balanced use of this beautiful site that allows accessibility while protecting the public water supply. Illegal swimming has resulted in vandalism, damage to fencing, trash left at the reservoir and fires. The MWRA has asked the Massachusetts State Police to increase their patrols of this critical facility during the summer. The MWRA also needs the help of local residents to ensure public safety and protect public health.
Please call the MWRA’s 24-hour Security Hotline at (877) 697-6972 to report swimming or any other harmful behavior.
MWRA to Begin Construction of Water Storage Tank in Stoneham
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is constructing a 20-million-gallon water storage tank and pump station behind the site of the former Boston Regional Medical Center on Woodland Road in Stoneham. The new water storage tank is required to meet state and federal drinking water regulations and MWRA’s goal of providing at least a one-day emergency supply of stored water.
The underground, concrete tank will provide water storage for MWRA’s Low Service area, which includes Charlestown, Chelsea, Malden, Medford, Everett and Somerville. The pump station will provide system redundancy for 21 communities currently served by the Gillis Pump Station, including Stoneham, Wakefield, Woburn and Winchester.
When the project is completed in late Fall 2014, the design calls for upland meadows to be planted on top of the buried tank, which would provide additional open space and public access adjacent to the Fells Reservation.
MWRA’s contractor, Walsh Construction Company, is currently completing site preparation and plans to begin work in late May or early June. The project will require considerable excavation and will require a steady, regulated flow of trucks to remove the material over a period of 6 to 8 months during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Once the excavation is complete, truck traffic will decline, but appropriate public safety measures will remain in place.
MWRA and Walsh Construction have been working closely with the Massachusetts State Police and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop an efficient and reliable traffic management plan to ensure the safety of the drivers and pedestrians using the adjacent roads and streets. A designated truck route has been established, and message boards and signage will be placed along Woodland Road to guide travelers.
Throughout the construction period, access in and out of the Woodland Road Medical Building will be limited to the south driveway. The north entrance will be restricted for use by construction vehicles only. The entrances will be clearly marked.
MWRA will provide regular updates on its website at www.mwra.com.
– Information from MWRA