Environment (Water Quality)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 2570: An Act relative to the Ware River watershed advisory committee

The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 582) of Peter J. Durant, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the Ware river watershed advisory committee, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2570).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Watershed Advisory Committee under Environment committee, supporting conservation and management of natural resources in Ware River watershed.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 11, 2025

S 582: An Act relative to the Ware river watershed advisory committee

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 582) of Peter J. Durant, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the Ware river watershed advisory committee. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Ware River watershed advisory committee for natural resource management, directly advancing conservation and environmental protection under Environment and Natural Resources subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1049: An Act promoting drinking water quality for all

By Representative Sena of Acton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1049) of Danillo A. Sena relative to the quality of drinking water from private wells. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill focuses on improving private well drinking water quality, directly advancing environmental protection under Environment and Natural Resources committee.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1022: An Act relative to meeting the Commonwealth's water infrastructure future

By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1022) of Edward R. Philips relative to meeting the Commonwealth's water infrastructure future. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill focuses on water infrastructure under Environment committee, implying environmental protection through infrastructure upgrades and resource management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 847: An Act protecting drinking water quality in private wells.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 585) of James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, John J. Cronin, James Arciero and others for legislation to promote drinking water quality for all. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects drinking water quality, a core environmental protection measure under Environment committee, aligning with pollution control and natural resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 900: An Act relative to the Cotuit Fire District

This bill (HD 900) amends water district law to add a new provision (Section 5I) for Cotuit's water system. It allows the board of water commissioners to recommend property improvements (like infrastructure upgrades) to private landowners, but only after obtaining the owners' written consent. The district can then seek funding for these projects through a vote of the district residents. The direct effect is on Cotuit water district residents (who benefit from improved water quality) and property owners (who must approve work on their land). The bill does not change existing voting rules or create new taxes, only outlining a process for voluntary water quality enhancements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables water infrastructure upgrades for improved water quality, a direct environmental protection measure affecting pollution control and natural resources.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 681: An Act relative to watershed protection

HD 681 establishes a Division of Water Supply Protection within the state department to manage watersheds, reservoirs, and water rights, ensuring a pure water supply for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. It designates all Commonwealth watershed lands as either "parks" or "reserves," prohibiting timber removal while allowing limited vegetation management for public safety, habitat restoration, or fire prevention. The bill also creates a Watershed Forest Reserves Scientific Advisory Council to advise on reserve management and planning, and requires the department to develop five-year watershed management plans with public input. These changes aim to protect water resources, enhance environmental conservation, and maintain recreational access in designated watershed areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits timber removal on watershed lands and establishes protective management for water resources, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 702: An Act relative to further testing after a CSO event

This bill requires Massachusetts environmental agencies to test water for bacteria and pollutants after combined sewage overflow (CSO) events. It mandates testing at multiple downstream locations within a reasonable timeframe, with winter suspensions allowed, and compiles annual reports to create predictive water quality models. Municipalities and utilities (permittees) with bacteria levels exceeding 235 colony forming units per 100 milliliters must develop and get approved mitigation plans for reducing overflows, prioritizing them for state stormwater funding. The law also requires permittees to report discharge volumes and install metering equipment, with public advisories issued based on established timelines.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates testing and mitigation for CSO pollution, directly reducing water contamination per environmental protection standards95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1503: An Act promoting drinking water quality for all

HD 1503 establishes minimum drinking water standards for private wells used by households in Massachusetts. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create regulations ensuring private wells meet public drinking water standards, directly affecting homeowners relying on private wells for drinking water. Key provisions include authorizing certified well drillers to work on these wells, exempting certain family property transfers from inspections, and creating a program to provide loan guarantees and interest subsidies for homeowners installing treatment systems to fix wells that fail to meet DEP standards. Local health boards and the DEP share enforcement authority for these new standards.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes mandatory drinking water standards for private wells, requiring DEP regulations to protect water quality - directly advancing environmental protection of natural resources (water) and pollution control.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates DEP to establish drinking water standards for private wells, directly advancing public health by ensuring safe water access - a core public health program component.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2758: An Act relative to combined sewer overflows

HD 2758 requires Massachusetts municipalities and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to eliminate untreated sewage discharges during storms up to a 25-year frequency by January 1, 2035. It mandates that all combined sewer overflows must include at least solid removal and bacterial deactivation treatment. The Department of Environmental Protection must create regulations defining storm event sizes and treatment standards, updating them as climate science and technology evolve. This directly affects cities with combined sewer systems that currently discharge untreated sewage during heavy rain.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates elimination of untreated sewage discharges with solid removal/bacterial deactivation treatment by 2035, directly reducing water pollution and strengthening environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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