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Water Management Act Program

MassDEP's Water Management Act Program regulates the amount of water withdrawn from Massachusetts ground and surface water resources. This ensures adequate supplies for current and future needs.

The Water Management Act (M.G.L. c. 21G) became effective in March 1986. The Act authorizes MassDEP to regulate the quantity of water withdrawn from both surface and groundwater supplies. The Water Management Act (WMA) consists of a few key components, including a registration program and a permit program.

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

Apply for a Permit or Renew a Permit  Find out about Grants  Registration Renewals 

What you need to know

Fact Sheet: The Water Management Act  Water Conservation Pilot & Toolkit  Laws, Regulations and Policies  Annual Reporting and Forms  Water Management Act Permits and Decisions  Seasonal Outdoor Water Use Restrictions (May-September)  Water Management Act Advisory Committee  Public Water Supplier Resources  Model Water Use Restriction Bylaw/Ordinance Update  SWMI Technical Resources  Irrigation System Interruption Device Regulation Development 

Find Information on Droughts  Find Information on Outdoor Water Use Restrictions  Healthy Lawn, Happy Summer Webinar 
Open PDF file, 2.92 MB,  Water Conservation Pilot Campaign: Lawn Watering Reduction Flyer (English, PDF 2.92 MB)
Open PDF file, 5.63 MB,  Water Conservation Pilot Program: Lawn Watering Reduction (English, PDF 5.63 MB)

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Image credits:  Matt Naughton

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