Quabbin Aqueduct - Physical Characteristics

Physical Characteristics

Water from the 412-billion-US-gallon (1.56×109 m3) capacity Quabbin Reservoir flows through the Quabbin Aqueduct from the northeast side of the Quabbin, up a slope to the Ware River Diversion in South Barre, Massachusetts, and then down again to the Wachusett Reservoir and then through a power station near the Oakdale section of West Boylston, Massachusetts. This upwards and downwards flow occurs by natural siphon action, with the high point in the siphon being at the Ware River Diversion. The water surface at the Quabbin Reservoir is about 524 feet (159.7 m) above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The water surface at the Wachusett Reservoir is about 384 feet (117.1 m) above MSL, and the water surface at the Ware River Diversion is about 660 feet (201 m) over MSL.