Sudbury River

In Wayland

Course of the Sudbury River (right- source river of the Concord River)

The Sudbury River is the right source river of the Concord River in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

Geography

The Sudbury River rises in a swamp in Westborough and flows from there to the east. After about 51 km, it unites with the Assabet River in Concord. Its catchment area covers a total of about 420 km2. In its course, he first forms the border between the towns of Southborough and Hopkinton and then flows through the urban areas of Ashland and Framingham. After passing some lakes, it flows in a northerly direction on through the towns of Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln.

History

The river has always been important for the region. Before the colonization of North America it was used by Native Americans as a waterway to the Atlantic coast. During the colonization of the region dams were built to use the water for energy. Beginning of the 19th century, the river was even temporarily redirected to provide Boston with drinking water. Today it is a popular destination for canoeing.

On 9 April 1999, the lower 26 km of the Sudbury River as a National Wild and Scenic River were excellent.

Environment

Like other rivers in this area, the Sudbury River to fight with strong industrial pollution. Beginning of the 21st century led the pollution with mercury from a factory in Ashland mean that the EPA was aware of the contamination. It was then begun to clean up the river. The consumption of fish from the river, however, is still not recommended (as of 2008).