The construction of the Quabbin was very controversial due to the displacement of over 2,000 people. However, in order for Boston to continue, it needed a drinking waster supply.
Pro’s of the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin supplies the city of Boston as well as Camberage and Water Town with its clean drinking water. This accounts for roughly 2.4 million people. Without the Quabbin, the growth of the city would have been hindered and Massachusetts would have likely faced a very real water rationing system. The Quabbin was also built during the height of the great depression and put thousands of young men to work. This likely saved their families from poverty. The Quabbin’s construction also led to a more strict drinking water commission and laws that would ensure the conservation of land surrounding a reservoir as well as laws protecting the reservoir from contamination. Today Boston has some of the purest drinking water in the nation and more than enough of it to go around thanks to the Quabbin.
Con’s of the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin forced 2,000 plus resident to abandon their homes and knee to the government. The people of the swift river valley were misrepresented on Beacon hill and because of this their homes and lively hood were destroyed. The townspeople were only given money to cover the cost of their homes, this left a huge gap for business owners with huge stock in their businesses physical assets. The construction also didn’t do a single thing to put these poor people to work. All the jobs for constructing the dams and clearing the forest were given to people from Boston. Building the Quabbin was only a benefit to the people of Boston and destroyed the lives of 2,000 people.
The Price of Water 