Summer is here and with the warm weather, people head to the local swimming hole to beat the heat.  The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority wants to remind residents that swimming is not allowed at the High Fells Reservoir in Stoneham.

MWRA’s primary concern is public safety.  The Fells has many rock outcroppings and swimmers who are tired or hit their heads while diving are a long way from emergency medical help.  The facility is not staffed and there are no lifeguards on duty.  There was recently a fatality at this site. Others have occurred in the past and at nearby Spot Pond.

Protection of the public water supply is also critical.  The covered storage tank was constructed as part of MWRA’s 10-year, $1.7 billion program to modernize the water system, and was put into service in 1998.  This facility provides the drinking water for Melrose, Saugus, Stoneham and Wakefield.  However, the open reservoir, constructed in 1899, still serves as an important component of the MWRA’s emergency water supply system.  In an emergency situation, the reservoir could be put into service as a drinking water supply in a very short time.  Swimmers and dogs in the water pose a real threat to water quality.