Waterbodies - Norton Reservoir

For many years, the Conservation Commission pursued the Norton Reservoir Dredging project, obtaining various permits and design plans. But by May of 2007 it became apparent that the project was not economically feasible. A private consultant determined that the sand and gravel that was supposed to fund the hydraulic dredging activities was heavily composed of silt, so much silt that it is not economically feasible to sort the silt from the rest of the material. The difference in the cost to process the sand and gravel and the cost of hydraulic dredging is between $23 million and $30 million. Even factoring in a revised project scope, where the dredging would be confined to a smaller portion of the reservoir with higher quality sand and gravel the project costs would still have a deficit of $19 million. In very simple terms the cost to dredge, as of 2007, would be $10.00/yard and the value of the material, in 2007, was $8.10/yard, at best.

Therefore, the Norton Reservoir Dredging project is indefinitely on hold.

Known problems include shallow depth, excessive algal presence, high-suspended solids and phosphorus concentrations, and 18+ point-source and non-point source nutrients from storm water runoff via local roads, Rt. 140, and Rt. 495. Sewage discharges from the old Mansfield sewage treatment plant (1938-1985), and septic discharges from shoreline cottages, degraded the water quality for recreational use. Some improvements have been made though since the Mansfield Waste Water Treatment Plant was construction and in 1991, 765 Norton homes received town sewer. 

Since 1991, the town has proactively sought state initiatives to assist with the planning, permitting, and construction of sewer alternatives which will aid in offsetting environmental and public health risks for the future of Norton Residents. 

Since 2020, The Town has implemented an Invasives Species Management Program for the noxious weeds (milfoil, etc.) 

Each year an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is updated and submitted to the Office of Dam Safety (ODS) for the Norton Reservoir Dam. The EAP contains information for town officials to handle problems in the event of a failure of the dam.

Additionally, the Dam is bi-annually inspected by a registered professional engineer for compliance with the ODS standards. 

Motor boats, kayaks, canoes, and personal water crafts can obtain public launch access to the Norton Reservoir via Juniper Road ( off of Reservoir Street). Parking is limited, therefore please be respectful of other boat enthusiasts. 

Alternative public access (with ADA compliance) is available at 237 Mansfield Ave.

Norton's Kayak and Canoe Boat Launch was recently completed in 2025 with the help of funding from the Department of Fish and Game. The facility contains a paved parking lot with 11 public parking spaces.

Motorboats and personal water crafts are prohibited from accessing from this location.

We request that all persons using Norton Reservoir understand and review the provisions of Norton's Boat and Waterways Bylaw before venturing out on the water.