Diversion of Water through Northfield Mt. Pumped Storage Project

Provisions were made at the Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project for the diversion of 26 billion gal or 79,800 acre-ft (98,800,000 m²) of water per year from the Connecticut River to the Quabbin Reservoir. The outlet works including gates, fish screens, stop logs, metering devices, and transmitting and recording devices were provided by Northeast Utilities. During periods of flood flow in the Connecticut River, excess flow will be pumped into reserve space in the upper reservoir by use of the main pump-turbine units and this will then be permitted to run through the diversion works which include the outlet works and the proposed aqueduct to the Quabbin Reservoir. Northeast Utilities is cooperating with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the proposed development of this source of water supply. This diversion project utilizing a pumped storage hydroelectric power project to augment a municipal water supply is unique and important.