- Division of Ecological Restoration
At certain times of the year, many streams in Massachusetts do not have enough water to support healthy streamflow, which affects aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supplies, fishing, and recreation. DER is working on several projects to help partners implement innovative ways to increase water use efficiency to improve streamflow. As part of these efforts, we have been working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to support Public Water Suppliers (PWS) and Water Districts that are trying to restructure their water rates to meet multiple goals. Effective rates can encourage water use efficiency and conservation while ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supplies through cost recovery and protecting the affordability of water for essential needs.
In August 2017, DER and DCR conducted a short survey of PWS and Water Districts in Massachusetts to determine whether suppliers have embarked on the process of restructuring their water rates, and what goals, successes, and obstacles they encountered during the process. As a follow up to the survey, interviews were conducted with seven water supply communities to better understand the processes they use to change their rate structures to balance multiple goals. Lessons learned from both successes and setbacks were documented, and points of guidance were developed to aid other suppliers in their rate-setting processes. The lessons learned focus on four areas – communication, financial planning, governance, and data management. Results from the survey, the full report, and a document summarizing key findings can be found on our project webpage.
As a follow up to the case studies, DER and DCR are hosting a workshop with the Alliance for Water Efficiency on Financing Sustainable Water. The workshop will be held November 14 in Sharon, MA and will address many of the challenges identified through the survey and case studies. To learn more and register, please visit the workshop website.
