Reservoir Source Protection

• Inspect the reservoir and Zone A areas frequently for wildlife impacts, especially from beaver and birds. Also check for illegal dumping and prohibited activities.
• Post signs around the Zone A to involve the community in protecting the areas closest to drinking water sources.
• Store water supply chemicals properly; ensure secondary containment is always used to capture any leaks or spills within the Zone A.
• Use propane or natural gas for backup power.
• Identify any floordrains in your protection areas and ensure their compliance with MassDEP Underground Injection Control regulations to prevent them from becoming a route for contamination to the groundwater.

Water Supply Planning

• Develop a Surface Water Supply Protection Plan. For more information, see MassDEP's guide "Developing a Local Surface Water Supply Protection Plan" at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/sourcewa.htm#surface.
• Consider future water supply needs in your long-term and short-term planning. The sample Water Supply Business Plan is available on the web at http://mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/systems.htm#capacity.
• Have an up-to-date Contingency Plan for providing adequate water in the event of temporary shortages.
• Have a current Emergency Response Plan. Assess the potential for releases at various points, develop communication protocols, specify spill response measures, and train water supply staff. An up-to-date emergency response handbook is available at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/systems.htm#emerresp
• Develop a Land Acquisition Plan. Acquire land in your water supply protection areas, especially in the areas closest to your sources. Acquisitions can be accomplished by municipal and non-municipal water systems through conservation restrictions, land banking, land purchases and land donation. Sample conservation restrictions are available at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/sourcewa.htm

Cooperation with Local Authorities

• Work with municipal planners to ensure they include you in the site plan review process for any new or expanded developments in the watershed. Take the opportunity to address water supply concerns at the initial stages of development.
• Work with the local Board of Health to target inspection of facilities within your watershed.

Education

Provide information to residents, businesses, local officials and community groups on how they can help to protect local drinking water sources and their watersheds. Fact sheets available at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/sourcewa.htm.

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