Department of Public Works 
Watershed

Watershed Protection & Management

High quality drinking water is the primary goal of the City’s Watershed Resource Protection Plan. To ensure a reliable supply of drinking water, the City strives to protect the water in the reservoirs and to responsibly manage the land surrounding the reservoirs. This is accomplished through three main strategies:

  1. Land ownership - The City actively acquires land within the Mountain Street, Ryan, and West Whately reservoir watershed.
  2. Minimal public access - General public access is not allowed on city-owned watershed land. Please see the Public Access Policy.
  3. Forest stewardship - The City contracts with a licensed forester to implement Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)-approved Forest Stewardship Plans.

Click on the links below for more information on: