The US Geological Survey has completed hydrologic studies of a limited number of watersheds in Eastern Massachusetts, including the Ipswich, Upper Charles, and portions of the SuAsCo.  These hydrologic studies provide a platform for analysis of alternative growth and water supply alternatives.  Additional funding and support is needed to create more watershed models and to integrate the findings into comprehensive water resource planning at the local/subregional level and into the withdrawal permitting process.  

In addition, Massachusetts should require meters on the thousands of private wells across the state, and require annual reporting of water withdrawn from these private wells. Well drilling data is under the purview of DCR’s Well Drillers Program. Actual water withdrawals by private wells are currently unknown.  Without statistics on aggregate water withdrawals, monitoring and intelligently managing the state’s water resources is problematic.

30.a    The US Geological Survey should complete development of integrated basin assessments

30.b    The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Recreation should develop regulations for the registration, metering, and annual reporting of private wells

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