Water Coalition Lobby Day: Recap
On April 3, NepRWA joined with other watershed groups across MA to ask legislators to support legislation and funding to protect the environment and improve climate resilience.
NepRWA members, Board, and Staff met with members of the Neponset River Watershed delegation or their staff to share updates on our work and discuss local climate resilience needs.
Topics included the Drought Bill, the Nature for Massachusetts initiative, and increased funding for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which is critical to helping local communities adapt to climate driven flood, drought, heat waves and extreme storms.
Thank you to everyone who participated in Lobby Day! Your voice is important in our advocacy work and we couldn’t do it without you!
For questions related to any upcoming bills or programs, please email NepRWA Managing Director for Community Resilience, Kerry Malloy Snyder
Special thanks to the following legislators:
- Senator John F. Keenan
- Senator Michael F. Rush
- Representative Rob Consalvo
- Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid
- Representative Richard Wells
And to the staff members of:
- Senator Paul Feeney
- Representative Michael Chaisson
- Representative Tackey Chan
- Representative William J. Galvin
- Representative Daniel J. Hunt
- Representative Joshua Tarsky
Drought in the Neponset
Droughts are becoming more common in the Neponset River Watershed and across Massachusetts.
Up to 120,000 people rely on drinking water from sources within the Watershed, placing significant pressure on streamflows, wildlife, and water quality, especially during a drought.
As of March 19, 2025, the Neponset Watershed was at a Level 2 – Significant Drought, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
You can help by using less water both indoors and outdoors. Reducing your water use helps protect our local water supply, supports wildlife, and keeps our communities safe.
Get drought updates at www.mass.gov/drought
Help Conserve Water
Residents and Businesses
- Fix Leaks. Check for leaks in homes and businesses regularly by:
- Checking water meters for constant dial movement
- Using dye tabs to check for toilet leaks
- Conducting regular inspections of all pipes and fixtures, including those located in utility rooms, crawlspaces, and other hidden areas
- Learn more about finding and fixing leaks.
- Stop all non-essential water use
- Use dishwashers rather than handwashing dishes
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full
- Take shorter showers. Restrict shower length to five minutes or less and consider using a shower timer
- Make sure toilets, faucets, and showerheads are WaterSense efficient
- Be extra cautious with outdoor fires, grills, and flammable materials
- Monitor total household water use shown on your bill for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. Use the MA Home Water Use Calculator tool to evaluate household water use.
