Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $200,000 in Grants to Non-Profit Organizations to Monitor Water Quality

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that four coalitions of non-profit organizations have been awarded $200,000 in Water Quality Monitoring grants to aid in testing water quality in rivers, lakes and ponds, and coastal resources. These grants, which are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will support monitoring efforts in eastern Massachusetts, the Connecticut River Valley, and Cape Cod to ensure clean and healthy waterbodies.

The grant, which is managed by MassDEP’s Watershed Planning Program, helps non-profit organizations collect data from various types of water bodies. These data are then verified and used by MassDEP to maintain, improve, and protect water quality in accordance with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act. Non-profit organizations – including watershed groups and lake and pond associations, as well as federally recognized Tribal Nations – with expertise in water monitoring are encouraged to apply when the next round of grant funding becomes available.

“Monitoring water quality in our lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and coastal waters is essential to maintaining our high environmental and public health standards in Massachusetts,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “We are grateful to our non-profit partners whose on-the-ground efforts ensure we have the data we need to protect these critical resources. Their work helps keep our waterbodies safe and vibrant.”

The following organizations were selected for grant awards:

Blackstone River Coalition, Inc. – $42,350

Organizations: Manchaug Pond Foundation, Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association, Blackstone River Watershed Association, and Blackstone Headwaters Coalition

The grant will support water quality data collection in 58 sites in Massachusetts and covers the entire geographic area of the Blackstone River watershed, as well as monitor the health of Coal Mine Brook in Worcester.

Ipswich River Watershed Association – $50,576

Organizations: Parker River Clean Water Association, Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association, and Friends of Hood Pond, Inc.

The grant will support the expansion and enhancement of water quality monitoring in the Parker, Ipswich and Essex River watersheds.

Buzzards Bay Coalition – $74,708

Organizations: Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory, and Westport River Watershed Alliance

The grant will support monitoring activities in central Buzzards Bay, central Vineyard Sound, and coastal ponds and estuaries that flow into Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and equipment to be used by trained volunteers and staff.

Connecticut River Watershed Council d/b/a Connecticut River Conservancy – $32,366

Organizations: Deerfield River Watershed Association, Fort River Watershed Association, Chicopee4Rivers Watershed Council, and Millers River Watershed Council

The grant will support water quality monitoring in the Massachusetts portion of the Connecticut River watershed and its sub-watersheds. Funds will also support continued outreach regarding volunteer opportunities.

"Ensuring clean and healthy water is essential for the well-being of both our communities and the environment. Today, $200,000 in Water Quality Monitoring grants are being awarded to support local non-profit organizations in their efforts to monitor rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal waters across Massachusetts," said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). "These grants provide critical data that helps protect water quality, safeguard ecosystems, and ensure the health of our communities. Through these efforts, we are taking vital steps to preserve our natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come."

“For over 50 years efforts to improve the Blackstone River and its watershed have been growing by engaging average citizens and local organizations to help collecting scientific data on the health of our waterways; streams, ponds, lakes and rivers,” said Representative Mary Keefe (D-Worcester). “Thank you to MassDEP for this grant that supports this important work and has impact all the way to Narragansett Bay.”

Visit MassDEP’s Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program online for more information.

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

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