Upper Mystic Lake

Upper Mystic Lake is a freshwater reservoir located within the Mystic River watershed in eastern Massachusetts. It is situated primarily in the town of Winchester, with portions extending into Arlington and Medford. The lake serves as a critical component of the regional water supply system managed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and is a popular site for recreational activities.

Geography and Hydrology

Upper Mystic Lake is fed primarily by the Aberjona River, which flows from the north, and it empties southward via the Mystic Lakes Dam into the adjacent Lower Mystic Lake. The lake is part of the broader Mystic River system, which ultimately drains into Boston Harbor. Its basin lies within the Atlantic coastal plain and is characterized by glacial origins, with a maximum depth of approximately 45 feet. The surrounding topography includes the Middlesex Fells reservation to the east, which influences local drainage patterns. Key hydrological features are monitored by the United States Geological Survey and the New England Water Works Association.

History

The area surrounding the lake was historically inhabited by the Massachusett people prior to European colonization in the early 17th century. In the colonial era, the water body and its connecting river were integral to the establishment of settlements like Charlestown and Medford. During the 19th century, the lake became a central part of the Boston metropolitan area's industrial expansion, supporting mills and later serving as a critical water source for the growing city. The construction of the Mystic Lakes Dam in the 1860s by the City of Boston formally created the modern reservoir. The lake's management was later transferred to the Metropolitan District Commission and eventually to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

Ecology and Conservation

The lake and its watershed support a diverse ecosystem, including populations of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and various species of waterfowl. The surrounding woodlands, part of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, provide habitat for white-tailed deer and migratory birds. Conservation efforts are led by organizations such as the Mystic River Watershed Association and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Invasive species like water chestnut and Eurasian watermilfoil pose ongoing management challenges. The area is also part of the Atlantic Flyway, making it significant for bird conservation initiatives coordinated with the National Audubon Society.

Recreation and Access

Public access is provided via the Mystic Lakes State Park and pathways maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Popular activities include sailing, managed by the Mystic Lakes Sailing Association, fishing, kayaking, and walking along the shoreside trails of the Aberjona River Greenway. The lake hosts community events such as the annual Head of the Mystic regatta. Boating access is regulated, with a public boat launch located near the dam. The Boston and Maine Railroad historically ran along its western shore, and today the Minuteman Bikeway and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus routes provide connectivity for visitors.

Water Quality and Management

Water quality is a primary concern due to the lake's role as a backup drinking water supply for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority system. It is subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act and monitored for parameters like nutrient levels, turbidity, and bacterial counts. Historical industrial contamination from sites like the W. R. Grace and Company plant in Woburn has led to long-term remediation projects under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund program. Current management involves collaboration between the Mystic River Watershed Association, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and local municipalities to address stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows impacting the Mystic River system. Category:Lakes of Massachusetts Category:Reservoirs in Massachusetts Category:Middlesex County, Massachusetts