The zoning measures described above can protect water resources from the impacts of new development, but zoning grandfathers existing development.  Yet many communities have existing patterns of development already located within aquifer and watershed areas.  In order to regulate these existing land uses, communities may implement non-zoning or “general” bylaws and ordinances or other local controls such as Board of Health regulations.

The US Geological Survey has completed hydrologic studies of a limited number of watersheds in Eastern Massachusetts, including the Ipswich, Upper Charles, and portions of the SuAsCo.  These hydrologic studies provide a platform for analysis of alternative growth and water supply alternatives.  Additional funding and support is needed to create more watershed models and to integrate the findings into comprehensive water resource planning at the local/subregional level and into the withdrawal permitting process.  

In 2008, MassDEP proposed a new set of regulations governing the permitting and operation of reclaimed water in Massachusetts, 314 CMR 20.00, entitled “Reclaimed Water Permit Program and Standards Regulations.”  These regulations reflect national experience in reclaimed water, MassDEP’s experience since the implementation of its Interim Guidelines on Reclaimed Water in 2000, as well as research and input from a MassDEP’s Water Reuse Task Force.  

Excessive pressure in water service connections can waste considerable amounts of water.  The Massachusetts plumbing code (248 CMR 10.14(g) Excessive Water Pressure) requires that a pressure reducing valve be installed on the water service connection to a building when the pressure is eighty (80) pounds per square inch (psi) or greater. Maintaining water pressure within the regulatory limit conserves water.

Infiltration is defined as groundwater that enters the wastewater collection system through physical defects such as cracked pipes/manholes or deteriorated joints. Typically, many sewer pipes are below the surrounding groundwater table, therefore leakage of clean groundwater into the sewer (infiltration) is a  widespread problem. Where sewer pipes run through Zone II areas or other land areas contributing flow to water supply withdrawal points, infiltration into those pipes can significantly reduce the yield of the affected water supply.  

Even if water users understand the need for water conservation and know that they should be using more efficient technology inside, more water-conserving landscaping, and fewer, more efficient irrigation systems, the cost and/or the effort associated with obtaining replacements for their existing materials may be enough to prevent or delay them from doing so.  To reduce the burden on the consumer, municipalities or water utilities can offer rebates, vouchers, or can provide the materials themselves.  This reduces the customer’s investment by paying all or some of the costs o

Massachusetts’ transportation agencies should adopt a Dispute Review Board (DRB) process that reduces costly and time consuming conflicts between agencies and contractors.

26.a    EOTPW should require the use of dispute review boards for all state funded projects over a certain size

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In order to use limited funds wisely, the MPO and the state must develop Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) priorities that accurately reflect the availability of funds.  A realistic transportation program will ensure that state and federal funds can be fully accessed, fewer projects will be delayed, and cost overruns will have a minimal ripple effect on other projects.  

Due in part to debt assumed from Big Dig mitigation projects, 30% of the MBTA operating budget is dedicated to debt relief.  The MBTA is so overwhelmed with debt and the cost of the employee pension program that it cannot serve the basic needs of its ridership or properly maintain its infrastructure, let allow finance needed expansion projects.

Rail rights of way are a valuable and increasingly rare resource that should be preserved and utilized.  Rights of way constantly face encroachment from development and other competing uses.  Once rights of way are fragmented, it is nearly impossible to return to viable track use.