Wachusett Aqueduct

Maximum Flow Test

Recent extensive pipe and valve replacement at the Lower Gate House (powerhouse) at the Wachusett Dam necessitated the complete shutdown of the Wachusett Aqueduct for almost two years.

That work was completed and the Wachusett Aqueduct reactivated as a standby backup system for the nearby modern Cosgrove Tunnel.

The final phase of the completed pipe and valve contract included a flow test of the Wachusett Aqueduct of up to 240 million gallons of water in one day. The designed maximum flow of the Wachusett Aqueduct is 300 million gallons of water per day.

John Gregoire of MWRA supervised the test and was kind enough to invite me along.

Here is a compilation of videos of the test that we took, from the Gate House in Clinton to various points along the open channel portion of the aqueduct to its end at the Sudbury Reservoir.

Thanks,

Paul