Wachusett Aqueduct, Historic aqueduct in Clinton, Massachusetts, United States
The Wachusett Aqueduct is a water conduit system extending through Clinton, Berlin, and Northborough in Massachusetts, constructed with a combination of underground tunnels and concrete sections reinforced with brick. The infrastructure channels water from Wachusett Reservoir toward the Boston metropolitan area through passages built beneath residential and natural landscapes.
Construction began in the late 1890s to transport water from Wachusett Reservoir to Boston, serving as the region's primary water conduit for nearly seven decades. The system was gradually supplanted by newer infrastructure when the Cosgrove Tunnel opened in 1965, shifting its role to backup operations.
The National Register of Historic Places recognized the engineering achievement of this infrastructure in 1990, preserving its architectural and technical legacy.
Most sections run underground and are not accessible for walking, though some above-ground sections are visible from public areas along the route. Visitors interested in viewing the structure should look for access points where the aqueduct emerges in parks or natural areas.
The structure demonstrates two distinct construction methods: sections were carved directly into bedrock, while others were built with preformed concrete and brick linings. This engineering approach reveals how builders adapted techniques to match local geological conditions.
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