How are water quality issues dealt with, and by whom?
Local boards of health, water commissioners and conservation commissions share authority for protecting water quality in each community. Boards of health address water quality issues which may impact public health, including wastewater management and water quality at public beaches. Water commissioners, working with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), are responsible for identifying measures needed to protect public water supplies from contamination. These measures typically include zoning protections, which are likely to involve both the local planning board and zoning board of appeals. The conservation commission also has authority to protect water quality of both surface and groundwaters in the community. DEP is the state agency with the largest responsibility for protection of water quality in Massachusetts. DEP establishes regulations to protect drinking water from contamination; properly manage on-site wastewater systems; and set water quality standard
