Full Description

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) have been committed to watershed protection for many years. Over the years, as the search for a potable water supply moved westward, water officials realized the importance of protected watershed areas. With each new development of a water supply, additional protection measures were achieved. In addition, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) served as a further impetus to protect the water supply. Recent amendments to the SDWA, particularly the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), have caused water agencies to study the idea of watershed protection in greater detail. Because of the rural nature of the Quabbin and Ware watersheds, the pristine nature of the reservoir and watershed areas has been easier to control. It is possible that the Quabbin will retain a filtration waiver because of its strong watershed resource protection plan, the percentage of land controlled by State agencies, and the quality of the source water. Other surface water, such as the Wachusett Reservoir, may not receive a waiver of the filtration requirement. Nonetheless, a strong watershed protection plan and the careful monitoring of the potential threats to water quality are beneficial to any watershed area regardless of filtration requirements.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1995 ISBN(s): 0898678323 Number of Pages: 10File Size: 1 file , 430 KB