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Join Frederick Laskey as he presents the history of Boston's renowned water system, from its origins in the 1700s to modern revitalization efforts. Discover the challenges faced, accomplishments achieved, and future goals in ensuring clean water for millions of residents. Learn about the pivotal role of the MWRA and the innovative projects that have reshaped the city's water infrastructure. Don't miss this insightful lecture by the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority!
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The 2014 History and Heritage Lecture April 3, 2014 4:00-5:00 Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union Center A History of Boston’s Water System Fred Laskey will present a history of one of the world’s greatest water systems, recounting Boston’s continued march westward in search of new sources to meet its every-growing demand - from Jamaica Pond in the 1700s to the Quabbin Reservoir in the 1930s. The post-World War II era then brought decades of underfunding and neglect. Laskey will discuss the need to create the MWRA in the 1980s, and the rebirth of the water system over the last 20 years. Frederick Laskey, Executive Director Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Since June of 2001, Frederick A. Laskey has served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, which provides the wholesale water and sewer transport and treatment services for 2.5 million people in 61 communities in eastern and central Massachusetts. Mr. Laskey oversees a staff of 1,200 employees working to improve the day-to-day operations of metropolitan Boston’s regional water and sewer services. Mr. Laskey is the longest serving director of the Metropolitan Water and Sewer Systems. During his tenure, has overseen $2 billion of capital construction projects to finish the clean-up of Boston Harbor, along with the Charles, Mystic and Neponset Rivers, as well as the complete modernization of the drinking water system to meet the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, including the addition of 200 million gallons of covered storage. Mr. Laskey is the Chairman of the Water Supply Protection Trust, created in 2004 to ensure the protection of the 240,000 acres of watershed land in four watersheds surrounding MWRA’s source waters. He also serves as president of the Fore River Railroad, the MWRA’s short line railroad that services the agency’s pelletization plant as well as other customers in the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy. Presented by the Civil &Environmental Engineering Department Free and open to the public