Stillwater River (Nashua River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stillwater River |
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The Stillwater flowing through Sterling, Massachusetts
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Princeton, Massachusetts 720 ft (220 m) 42°27′48″N 71°49′33″W / 42.4633°N 71.8258°W |
| River mouth | Wachusett Reservoir 384 ft (117 m) 42°24′05″N 71°47′15″W / 42.4015°N 71.7874°W |
| Length | 8.1 miles (13.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 39.3 sq mi (102 km2) |
The Stillwater River is a cool river in Massachusetts that helps bring clean drinking water to lots of people in the Boston area! It's part of a bigger system that makes sure cities have enough water. This river is also part of the Nashua River watershed, which is like a giant bowl that collects water.
Contents
Discover the Stillwater River
The Stillwater River is a very important part of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system. This system provides drinking water to about 2.5 million people in 43 towns and cities in central and eastern Massachusetts.
Where Does the River Begin?
The Stillwater River starts in a town called Princeton, Massachusetts. This area is known as the Upper Worcester Plateau. It's a high area, and the tallest point nearby is Mount Wachusett. Water flows from this high ground in different directions. Water flowing east feeds the Nashua River system. Water flowing west goes to the Ware River or the Millers River, both of which eventually join the Connecticut River.
The Stillwater River flows for about 8.1 miles (13 kilometers). It travels through Princeton and Sterling. Then, it meets another river called the Quinapoxet River at the Wachusett Reservoir in West Boylston. When these two rivers meet, they form the south branch of the Nashua River.
Water for Everyone
The Stillwater and Quinapoxet rivers are the two main rivers that flow into the Wachusett Reservoir. This reservoir is the main source of drinking water for many communities.
To make sure the water stays clean and safe, groups like the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) keep a close eye on the rivers. They have special equipment that constantly checks the water flow and quality. Thanks to their work, the water in these rivers has been very clean for many years!
Protecting the River's Land
A large part of the land around the Stillwater River is protected. About 47% of the area around the river is kept as open space, meaning it won't be built on. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) owns a lot of this land.
Other groups also help protect the area. For example, the town of Holden owns over 600 acres (2.4 square kilometers) as the Trout Brook Conservation Area. The Massachusetts Audubon Society also owns hundreds of acres in the Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. All these efforts help keep the Stillwater River and its surroundings healthy and beautiful.
Images for kids
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Stillwater headwaters near Princeton
