This Fall, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority will begin a project to upgrade the Foss Reservoir Dam on the westbound side of Route 9 in Framingham.

To get ready for this work, the water level in the Foss and Stearns Reservoirs will be lowered about 10 feet [map]. The work will also require the removal of some trees along the embankment. The work will be performed in phases and is expected to be completed by next Fall.

The 130-year old Foss Dam is one of five dams within the MWRA water system being retrofitted to meet new dam safety requirements. Although the dam is not in any danger of imminent failure, the State issued new regulations in 2006 to ensure that dams classified as “High Hazard” could withstand most any catastrophic event. The classification High Hazard does not refer to condition, but proximity to residents. All 18 dams within the MWRA/DCR system are well maintained and are inspected regularly.

The Foss Reservoir is part of the MWRA’s standby water system that would be used as a back-up supply in the event of an emergency.

Other work beginning this Fall will take place at the Sudbury Reservoir in Southborough and Marlborough [map], the Wachusett Open Channel in Southborough, and the Weston Reservoir Dam in Weston. [map].

For more information, please contact Tom Lindberg, MWRA Public Affairs at (617) 660-7974.