WATERTOWN DAM
A case for removal.
A detriment to the Charles River.
An aging, 180-ft long, 8-ft high aging concrete weir structure located in the Charles River in Watertown currently owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Watertown Dam was originally constructed to power industry, yet now holds no purpose for power or flood control.
In 2016, an inspection report deemed Watertown Dam to be in a "poor" condition. As a result, the Charles River Watershed Association applied for support from the Department of Ecological Restoration to conduct a feasibility study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the removal of Watertown Dam. Dam removal is increasingly becoming a popular approach in Massachusetts as our aging dams obstruct the passage of migratory fish, deteriorate river ecosystems, and are susceptible to failure due to the effects of climate change, including more frequent extreme weather events.
The Watertown Dam Removal Feasibility Study was released by the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) in June 2021. The study showed that it is possible to remove the dam and restore the river. We are now working on gathering grassroots support for the restoration of this site.
READ LETTERS OF SUPPORT:
American Rivers, Watertown City Council, Watertown Conservation Commission, Newton Conservators,Green Newton,Weston Conservation Commission, Wellesley Natural Resources Commission, Dedham Sustainability Committee, Waltham Conservation Commission, Waltham Land Trust, Natick Sustainability Committee, The Nature Conservancy, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Native Fish Coalition Massachusetts, Sierra Club Massachusetts, Trout Unlimited Greater Boston Chapter, Charles River Regional Chamber.
CRWA is compiling written testimonies in support of the immediate removal of DCR's Watertown Dam. We need your voice to push state and local leaders to act on removing DCR's Watertown Dam.
The Watertown Dam is a major barrier to fish and eel passage during critical migrations. Migratory fish such as blueback herring, alewife, rainbow smelt, and American shad migrate to and spawn in the Charles River each year. According to a study from DMF, the fish ladder is not effective at passing female American shad + rainbow smelt.
Celebrate migratory herring species at the Watertown Dam Herring Festival on June 8th. Join us for fun activities and learn how dam removal supports aquatic life.