Community Corner

You May Notice Some Changes at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir this Winter

Steps will be taken to kill off an invasive weed in the pond.

You may notice the water level in the Chestnut Hill Reservoir dropping this winter, but don't worry - it is planned by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).

The MWRA will make the move in an effort to eliminate an invasive weed that has taken root in the reservoir known as Eurasian watermilfoil. The weed was found several years ago and milfoil infestation can cause elevated water temperatures and depressed dissolved oxygen levels, according to the MWRA. Floating mats of milfoil can be drowning hazards to wildlife and pets.

As the plants are exposed to the cold air they freeze and die. The “draw-down/freeze-off,” curbs Eurasian milfoil naturally and without the use of pesticides. MWRA plans to perform a draw-down/freeze-off to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir every winter for three years, and the situation will then be evaluated.

The reservoir will be refilled in the spring, according to the MWRA.

The Chestnut Hill Reservoir was built in 1870. It holds 500 million gallons of water and is an integral part of the MWRA’s emergency back-up water supply system, according to the MWRA.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here