Where We Get Our Water: It's a Series of Tubes

We had a special visit from Mrs. Meg Tabaksco from the MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority). She talked with our class about how our water gets to us in Watertown. We learned that in the 1930's, people built a giant reservoir to hold water for the communities near Boston. They had to move 4 entire towns!

Water from rain and streams collects in the Quabbin Reservoir. From there, it is piped in giant pipes all the way to us, where local water mains bring it to buildings everywhere in our city. Along the way, it is treated to make it safe to drink, and they add floride to help keep our teeth healthy.

We listed many kinds of buildings that use water:
- schools
- hospitals
- police stations
- fire stations
- resturaunts
- grocery stores
- pet stores
- hotels
- motels
- houses
- laundromats
- sports stadiums
- and more!

We drew a giant picture to show how the water all connects through a series of pipes back to the Quabbin.

Visit these pages at the MWRA to learn more about the pipes and distribution system:
- How the MWRA System Works
- New Metrowest Water Supply Tunnel

Thank you, Mrs. Tabaksco!