Pawcatuck River and Narragansett Bay Drainage Basins Water and Related Land Resources Study. Big River Reservoir Project. Volume I. Main Report

摘要

This feasibility study has examined various alternatives to meet water supply, flood control and recreation needs in the Big River study area. Of the methods studied to satisfy the water supply needs of the study area, demand modification (water conservation), groundwater and surface water development were determined to be most feasible alternatives. Flood control storage at Big River Reservoir was found to be the most feasible method of flood damage reduction in the Pawtuxet basin. Recreation needs were best met by recreational development at the Big River site, to a maximal level consistent with the water supply purpose of the reservoir. This report recommends that the United States Congress authorize a plan of water resources development for the metropolitan Providence area that includes: (1) a multiple purpose reservoir providing water supply, flood control and recreation at the Big River site; (2) development of local groundwater in certain areas as water supply sources; and (3) a water conservation program for the entire metropolitan area. Of this overall water resources plan, the report recommends Federal construction of the $155.5 million Big River dam and reservoir project, excluding those elements which are not within Corps of Engineers implementation authority.