| Ashley Reservoir | |
|---|---|
 Shores of the Ashley Reservoir at dusk | |
  Location in the United States  Ashley Reservoir (Massachusetts)  Ashley Reservoir (the United States) | |
| Official name | Ashley Reservoir |
| Country | United States of America |
| Location | Holyoke, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°10′30″N 72°39′40″W / 42.175°N 72.661°W |
| Purpose | Drinking water supply |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1873 |
| Owner(s) | City of Holyoke |
| Operator(s) | Holyoke Water Works |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Ashley Pond, Wright Pond |
| Total capacity | 795×106 US gal (3.01×106 m3) |
| Catchment area | 1,261 acres (510 ha) |
| Surface area | 211 acres (85 ha)[1] |
| Maximum length | 640 ft (200 m) |
| Maximum water depth | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Normal elevation | 318 ft (97 m){[2] |
| Website http://www.holyoke.org/departments/water-works/ | |
Ashley Reservoir, a Class II hazard reservoir, is the secondary drinking supply for the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts. The reservoir, consisting of Wright Pond and Ashley Pond, has an impound capacity of more than 795 million US gallons (3.01×106 m3) of water and a safe yield of 2.1 million US gallons (7,900 m3) of water per day.
The reservoir's construction finished and it became fully operational in 1897.[3] Ashley Reservoir is connected to a smaller reservoir McLean Reservoir, named after Holyoke Water Works Commissioner Hugh McLean, through a water-pumping plant that is operated by the Holyoke Water Works.[4] The reservoir has a surrounding gravel road open to civilian recreational use.[5]
Ecology[edit]
The reservoir is home to populations of bears, deer, geese, ducks, beavers, and many other animal species. Maple, oak and red and white pine line the uplands, with red osier, alder, buttonbush and other wetlands shrubs closer to the water. Sunfish and milfoil can be seen underwater.
Watershed public access and recreation[edit]
In order to protect the water supply from the threats from unrestricted motorized vehicle use, most areas around the reservoir are publicly accessible only by foot, with limited parking available at some of the surrounding gates.
Fishing is not allowed in the reservoir to protect against aquatic invasive species.
Regulations designed to ensure pure water include the prohibiting of Dogs, horseback riding, camping, smoking, sledding and motorcycle riding are among prohibited activities from the reservoir and abutting property. Pedestrians are allowed on the paths and roads around the reservoir but the scenic expanse that contains a drinking water supply limits activities.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ "Reports of the Water Boards, Commissioners, and Companies of Massachusetts". Public Documents of Massachusetts being the Annual Reports of Various Public Officers and Institutions for the Year 1882. Boston: Wright & Potter Printing Co. 1883. p. 164.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Ashley Reservoir
- ^ "Ashley Reservoir". City of Holyoke. January 26, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ "McLean Transfer Pumping Station". City of Holyoke. January 26, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ Dave Roback (December 26, 2015). "Many enjoyed the unseasonably warm temperatures in the Pioneer Valley on Saturday". Mass Live. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ "Holyoke Council wants risky reservoir entrance addressed". 20 April 2017.
