Quabbin Reservoir - Definition and Overview

Quabbin Reservoir is the largest body of water in Massachusetts, created between 1930 and 1940. It is the primary water supply for Boston. It has an aggregate capacity of 412 billion gallons (about 1.5 billion cubic meters). Water from the Quabbin flows to the Wachusett Reservior by way of the Quabbin Aqueduct.

The Quabbin was formed when the Swift River Valley of Massachusetts was inundated. Its creation required the disincorporation and razing of four towns: Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott. The land of these towns was absorbed by surrounding communities. The latter three are the origin of the names of housing complexes at nearby Hampshire College.

Large portions of Dana are above the water line, and its remains, predominantly cellar holes, can be visited today. Much of Prescott is also above water, on what is now known as the Prescott Peninsula, but it cannot be visited because of state restrictions. The center of what was once Prescott has been completely removed, cellar holes and all, to make way for a radio telescope owned by the University of Massachusetts Amherst.