Neponset Reservoir Dam - Foxborough, MA - Water Dams on Waymarking.com

In Foxborough, on the west side of the Neponset Reservoir, is a dam that holds back this body of water and is where the west branch of the Neponset River starts its journey to Boston Harbor.

The dam is located within conservation land owned by the Foxborough Conservation Commission. There are several ways to get there. The way we went was from the south. There is a small pulloff at the corner of Neponset Ave and Chestnut Street and on the east side of a railroad crossing - don't block the driveway to a house. From there walk to the entrance that has a gate and a sign stating that the land is owned by the Foxborough Conservation Commission. Follow the main path to the dam - all spurs are short and fairly obvious. From the north, there is an entrance off the end of Messinger Street and one from Munroe Street.

The dam itself is about 200 ft long and about 12 ft high, with an earthen embankment lined with boulders. At about the center of the dam is a channel with gatehouse over it. The pond is approximately 320 acres in area. Most of of the pond ranges from inches to 4 ft deep. The deepest part of the reservoir is 8 to 10 ft deep.

The reservoir was first created out of a cedar swamp in 1845 for the purpose of providing water to industries downstream. After the 1920s, when industry no longer needed water for power, the reservoir served as a recreational resource, with two marinas, a waterskiing club, and a boy scout camp. More recently, it was discovered that the reservoir was contaminated with heavy metals and phosphates. This remains an issue today. There are 90 acres of conservation land around the dam now permanently protected. Approximately 2003, the dam was considered a moderate hazard, so one plank was removed. Thus, the reservoir is a foot or two lower than it was previously.

I don't think motor boats are allowed on the reservoir - from the description, there are points where the reservoir would be too shallow, anyway. I have seen people fish in the reservoir - not sure what kind.

Sources:

Friends of the Neponset Reservoir:
(visit link)

Neponset Reservoir Reclamation Committee (NRRC):
(visit link)

Waterway where the dam is located: Neponset River, West Branch Main use of the Water Dam: Wildlife Habitat Material used in the structure: embankment Height of Dam: 12 ft Date built: 01/01/1845 Fishing Allowed: yes Motor Sports Allowed: no

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