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.  

Old and poorly constructed pipelines, inadequate corrosion protection, poorly maintained valves and mechanical damage are some of the factors contributing to leakage. One effect of water leakage, besides the loss of water resources, is reduced pressure in the supply system. Raising pressures to make up for  leakage losses increases energy consumption,  makes leaking worse, and  adversely impacts the environment. Of the many options available for conserving water, leak detection is a logical first step.

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

Until a municipality or water district establishes by-laws or other regulations authorizing officials to restrict water usage, the options available in a time of water shortage are only extremes: on one end of the spectrum, officials can request voluntary reduction of water use, and on the other, they can petition for the declaration of a state of emergency by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.  

Water audits offer detailed information to targeted classes of users.   An audit includes a customer-specific on-site survey of water usage patterns and specific recommendations for increasing water efficiency.  It may also involved distributing and/or installing water-saving devices.  Audits can be conducted for both indoor and outdoor use for residential and nonresidential customers.

Municipalities can help to reduce water demand for irrigation by integrating landscaping best practices into existing site plan guidelines, zoning bylaws, and subdivision rules and regulations.

All water utilities should establish a water pricing structure that includes the full cost of operating, maintaining, and protecting the water supply system. Water revenues should be kept separate from the municipality’s general fund, in order to prevent cross-subsidies.  

A full cost water pricing structure includes, but is not limited to the following:

Water is both a necessity and a scarce commodity.  This makes it important that water pricing discourages unnecessary and wasteful use while maintaining affordability for essential uses.  Because a significant portion of water use is non-essential, there is  considerable elasticity in demand with respect to price, meaning that if the price of a given quantity of water increases, consumers are encouraged to reduce their costs through reduced discretionary use and more efficient technology.  In the short term, a 10% increase in the cost of water for single family residenti