PARTNERSHIP RESPONSES TO WATER RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS

WATERMARKS:  The 495/MetroWest region is one of the fastest growing areas of Massachusetts.  The corridor's cities and towns are homes to many high technology firms and are also  experiencing rapid residential growth according to the U.S. Census and MAPC prejections.  This growth brings challenges for the  water sewer services.  Increases in water demand, wastewater discharges, and stormwater runoff all affect regional water resources and, in turn, their capacity to support more development.  To address these issues the  Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership developed a comprehensive Water Resource Strategy for the 495/MetroWest region.  Funded by a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency, secured by Congressmen James McGovern, Martin Meehan, and Edward Markey, the project assessed water resource trends in the Corridor and created tools that communities can use to help protect and sustain their water resources.  The resources from the Strategy can be found below.

• WaterMarks 495 Brochure, a 6-page full color brochure that summarizes the entire 496/MetroWest Water Resources Strategy Project.
• 495 Water-Smart Indicators, a report that presents the key trends in water supply, wastewater, and stormwater for the cities and towns in the 495/MetroWest corridor, as well as the project's recommendations for sustainable water resources management in the region.
• The Massachusetts Low Impact Tool Kit - A set of 9 detailed fact sheets on LID techniques, including design, technical, cost, and regulatory issues.  Click here for a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the report.
• Once Is Not Enough, A Guide to Water Reuse in Massachusetts.  Click here for a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the report.
• SummerSmart Water Use: A Guide to Peak Season Water Demand Management.  Click here for a PowerPoint Presentation summarizing the report.
• Announcement of a regional services contract for municipal leak detection available for use by cities and towns in the 495/MetroWest corridor as well as the entire MAPC region.
• Local water supply studies for the towns of Acton, Hudson, and Westborough