Preserving Water Resources

On November 29, 2012, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) released the Sustainable Water Management Initiative (SWMI) Framework. A precursor to the revision of regulations under the Water Management Act, the framework represents over two years of dedicated research, stakeholder input, and public outreach.   

In 2010 the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs created the Sustainable Water Management Advisory Committee comprised of a wide range of stakeholders and supported by staff from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Working with the Water Management Act Advisory Committee and the Water Resources Commission, the Committee advised EEA and its agencies on the development of a water allocation program that examined solutions to satisfying water needs while recognizing ecological issues such as low streamflow.

Striking a balance between the needs for water by humans and our natural environment is the goal of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' (EEA) water policies. EEA's Water Policy team implements the Massachusetts Water Policy, established in 2004, through various projects at EEA and our agencies.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hydrologically divided in 27 major watersheds. Each watershed has unique land and water features, history of water use, and development patterns influencing its water resources.

Learn about water quality monitoring and drinking water safety.

Massachusetts' water resources are the lifeblood of many of our most scenic and fragile environments as well as some of the Commonwealth's most popular recreational areas. Contains information related to rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.

While existing laws and programs now protect or encourage preservation of many natural resources and landscapes, there is a clear need to go beyond protection and preservation, to restoration of damaged critical natural habitats. Habitat restoration is an important and growing element of efforts to preserve our natural heritage and to protect and restore the critical "services" that the environment provides.