Scituate Reservoir

Scituate Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the state of Rhode Island and the principal source of drinking water for over 60% of the state's population. Located primarily within the town of Scituate, Rhode Island, it was created by impounding the North Branch Pawtuxet River. Managed by the Providence Water Supply Board, the reservoir is a critical component of the regional water infrastructure for the Providence metropolitan area.

History

The need for a reliable public water supply became urgent for the growing city of Providence in the early 20th century, following periods of drought and contamination in local sources. After extensive surveys, the valley of the North Branch Pawtuxet River was selected for its superior water quality and adequate capacity. The project required the dissolution and flooding of several historic mill villages within Scituate, Rhode Island, including Kent, South Scituate, and Ashland. The legal authority for the massive undertaking was granted by the General Assembly of Rhode Island, leading to the acquisition of over 14,800 acres of land. The reservoir's creation permanently altered the landscape and displaced hundreds of families and businesses, a significant event in the local history of New England.

Construction and engineering

Construction began in 1915 and was largely completed by 1926, representing a major feat of early 20th-century civil engineering. The principal impoundment is the Gainer Memorial Dam, a large earthen embankment dam. Key engineering features also include five subsidiary dikes, a massive gatehouse, and a covered aqueduct system that transports water by gravity to the treatment facility. The project involved extensive work by the J. G. White Engineering Corporation and required the relocation of miles of roads, railroads like the Hartford, Providence and Fishkill Railroad, and utilities. The construction techniques established important precedents for large-scale public works projects in the Northeastern United States.

Water supply and management

The reservoir supplies water to the Providence Water Supply Board's treatment facility, one of the largest filtration plants in New England. After treatment, water is distributed to the city of Providence and numerous surrounding communities through a network of mains and subsidiary reservoirs like the Regulating Reservoir. The system serves major municipalities including Cranston, Johnston, and North Providence, and wholesale customers like the Bristol County Water Authority. Management practices focus on watershed protection, with the board owning and controlling the entire drainage basin to prevent pollution, under guidelines from the Rhode Island Department of Health and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Environmental impact

The creation of the reservoir transformed a river valley ecosystem into a large lentic habitat, impacting local flora and fauna. The protected watershed area, however, has become a significant forested preserve that supports biodiversity, including species monitored by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Strict land-use controls minimize runoff from pollutants like fertilizers and pesticides. Studies have examined issues such as nutrient loading, sedimentation, and the effects of climate change on water quality and quantity. The reservoir also plays a role in moderating flow in the downstream Pawtuxet River, affecting its ecology.

Recreation and access

Public access to the reservoir and its watershed is highly restricted to protect water quality, with activities like swimming, boating, and fishing prohibited. Limited passive recreation, such as walking on designated service roads, is permitted in certain areas by permit. The surrounding protected lands, however, contribute to the green space of Providence County. The history of the flooded villages is commemorated by local historical societies, including the Scituate Preservation Society. The imposing presence of the Gainer Memorial Dam and the vast expanse of water remain prominent features in the region's geography. Category:Reservoirs in Rhode Island Category:Buildings and structures in Providence County, Rhode Island Category:1915 establishments in Rhode Island