Watershed Management Division

The Watershed Management Division of the Cambridge Water Department is responsible for the management and operation of the City's three surface water reservoirs; Hobbs Brook Reservoir in the municipalities of Lincoln, Lexington, Weston and Waltham; Stony Brook Reservoir, surrounded by the Town of Weston and the City of Waltham, and Fresh Pond Reservoir in Cambridge, as well as the underground finished water reservoir at Payson Park in Belmont.   The Watershed Management Division is responsible for maintaining land owned and protected by the City of Cambridge to preserve water quality in the Cambridge drinking water supply.

Source Water Communities

The Watershed Management Division develops and implements watershed protection plans, hazardous materials response plans, and partnerships with businesses and municipalities in the watersheds.  This division conducts water quality monitoring, performs and documents site activities on dozens of properties, and works with all the stakeholders in the watersheds to ensure long-term protection of the City's drinking water supply.  To learn more about Watershed Management activities in the Cambridge source water system, click here>> 

Fresh Pond Reservation

Managing the lands of Fresh Pond Reservation is also the responsibility of the Watershed Management Division.  Fresh Pond Reservation offers 162 acres of open space and natural features for visitors to enjoy.  The 2¼-mile Perimeter Road encircling the Reservoir allows for walking, biking, and running along the shoreline.  Kingsley Park has grassy, sun-filled areas, while the Northeast Sector supplies shady, wooded hillsides.  The unique habitats of the Reservation, many just recently restored, provide refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife.  To learn more about the activities at Fresh Pond Reservation,  click here>>