Chestnut Hill Reservoir

It was created in 1870 on existing marshes and meadowland to supplement the city’s water needs.

Chestnut Hill Reservoir was taken offline in 1978 as it was no longer needed for regular water supply distribution,[2] but is maintained in emergency backup status.

On May 1, 2010, the Chestnut Hill Reservoir was temporarily brought back online during a failure of a connecting pipe at the end of the MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel.

Separately the Spot Pond reservoir, also an emergency source, was tapped during the pipe break incident.

Though a boil-water order was issued for fear that the water would not be safe to drink, following heavy treatment with chlorine later tests showed the water to be completely safe for drinking.

Ice on surface of the reservoir in January. View across of trees and stadium.
The reservoir in January. View of Boston College's Alumni Stadium across the water.
The Chestnut Hill Reservoir with Boston Skyline in background (August 2023)