Speak Up for Water Conservation

Tell DEP to Protect Our Rivers by THIS FRIDAY at 5 PM!

With climate change, droughts are becoming more frequent, long-lasting, and severe. In 2016, our watershed experienced the most significant drought since the 1960s with record low river and groundwater levels. Then again in 2020. And now, 2022.

More than 50% of non-essential public water supply doesn't have any water conservation requirements, even during significant drought—and that’s draining our rivers and streams dry.

That’s because, in Massachusetts, use of our water resources is often determined by antiquated allowances for certain water withdrawals established in the 1980s, issued before we even considered climate change and growth would impact our rivers.

Today, the result is our water resources are often over-allocated and over-used. Large non-essential water users ––golf courses, athletic fields, and others––can continue withdrawing groundwater even during periods of drought.

After years of advocacy, this is finally changing. MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced they are creating new regulations that will apply to ALL non-essential water withdrawals, not just new and increased ones.

But we need your help––speak up for our river and tell DEP to prioritize water conservation by THIS FRIDAY, November 18th at 5PM. It's as easy as one email.