BOSTON (WWLP) - The Healey-Driscoll Administration is awarding $500,000 in grants to improve water efficiency and drought resiliency in communities across Massachusetts.
The funding, provided through the Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program, aims to help municipalities reduce water loss and improve the management of local supplies. The grants are administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs as Massachusetts faces increasingly frequent dry periods.
Eight of the last 10 years in the state have included drought conditions, with some areas reaching Level three - Critical Drought for months at a time. These conditions have led to record-low streamflow and groundwater levels, increasing fire risk and creating challenges for farmers and water providers.
This grant program focuses on several specific infrastructure and planning initiatives designed to reduce water loss. Supported projects include the installation of water meters, leak detection systems, and enhanced drought management measures. Funding will also be used for landscape conversions and water conservation planning to promote more efficient use across the state.
"These grants come at a critical time. With much of Massachusetts experiencing ongoing drought conditions in recent years, we recognize the need to take practical steps to use water more efficiently and manage supplies responsibly," said Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. "These investments will help reduce the impacts of drought while supporting lasting improvements in water management and conservation."
The following organizations received funding through the Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program:
- Abington & Rockland Joint Water Works: $50,000
- City of Westfield DPW-Water Division: $50,000
- City of Worcester Department of Water and Power: $50,000
- Sterling Water Department: $49,940
- City of Fall River: $49,896
- Springfield Water & Sewer Commission: $47,694
- City of Boston: $44,300
- Charles River Watershed Association: $39,000
- Town of Egremont: $33,225.50
- Country Road Cooperative Corporation: $30,544.50
- Town of Ipswich: $29,000
- Norwell Water Department: $26,400
This grant program is one component of the state's broader strategy to adapt to changing climate conditions. Officials described the initiative as an effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of water systems throughout the commonwealth.
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