Massachusetts Water Resources Authority withdraws reservoir water request

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has withdrawn its proposal to withdraw an additional 20 million gallons of water per day from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoir systems. The decision follows significant opposition from local communities, legislators, and residents.

Critics and lawmakers argued that the agency failed to justify the volume of the requested increase or identify which communities would receive the water. During a public comment period, more than 1,000 submissions were received, and over 130 people attended a hearing in Belchertown to voice concerns. Legislators also raised questions regarding the agency's adherence to the 1983 Interbasin Transfer Act and the potential for conflicts of interest within the oversight structure.

MWRA interim Executive Director Stephen Estes-Smargiassi stated in a letter to the Water Resources Commission that the application had caused “concern and confusion.” He noted that future requests for interbasin transfers will follow traditional procedures, including receiving input and analysis from both donating and receiving communities.