Is Quabbin Reservoir Polluted?
Yes — Quabbin Reservoir in Worcester County, Massachusetts is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2022 assessment cycle). It is cited for Mercury, Nuisance exotic species. A formal cleanup plan — a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) — has been written. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's EPA condition class water-quality readings: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.
EPA 303(d) Listing
| On 303(d) impaired list | Listed impaired |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Completed |
| Assessment cycle | 2022 |
| EPA IR category | 4A |
| Uses not supported | Aquatic life, Fish consumption |
| EPA names this lake in the listing | Yes |
| Location | Worcester County, Massachusetts |
Pollutants Cited
- Mercury — Mercury accumulates in fish tissue and is the single most common impairment in northern lakes. It usually arrives via atmospheric deposition from coal combustion rather than local discharge — which is why even remote, clear lakes can be mercury-impaired. It triggers fish-consumption advisories, not swimming closures.
- Nuisance exotic species — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: Mercury in Fish Tissue, Non-Native Aquatic Plants.
What this means for using Quabbin Reservoir
Quabbin Reservoir's listing is driven by contaminants that build up in fish (Mercury), so the practical impact is on eating the fish, not on swimming. Follow the state fish-consumption advisory for Massachusetts. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. See the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.
Stays via Stay22
Where to stay near Quabbin Reservoir
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Quabbin Reservoir in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Live availability and prices for your nights. Switch the map to Satellite to see how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Quabbin Reservoir
Prices for Oct 2–4, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Quabbin Reservoir?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Quabbin Reservoir — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Watch Quabbin Reservoir water quality
Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.