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If a utility does what it can to conserve water, customers will tend to be more cooperative in other water conservation programs, many of which hinge on individual efforts.

19)    Conduct integrated water management planning
An integrated approach is needed to keep water local and to begin to address and mitigate  hydrological imbalances . While water conservation is a major component of this approach and is often the  most economical and least damaging . tactic for meeting human needs, capturing stormwater and recycling wastewater can also play important roles. Planning for future upgrades, development or expansion of water infrastructure within a community must take into consideration the interdependence of these three components.

Infrastructure planning evaluations within communities should include water supply, wastewater and stormwater with greater emphasis on the issue that is most problematic. Planning should follow available guidance from MassDEP or the Water Resources Commission. The plans should be updated periodically.

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20)    Reduce inflow and infiltration
Infiltration is defined as groundwater that enters the wastewater collection system through physical defects such as cracked pipes/manholes or deteriorated joints. Typically, many sewer pipes are below the surrounding groundwater table, therefore leakage of clean groundwater into the sewer (infiltration) is a  widespread problem. Where sewer pipes run through Zone II areas or other land areas contributing flow to water supply withdrawal points, infiltration into those pipes can significantly reduce the yield of the affected water supply.  

Inflow is extraneous flow entering the collection system through point sources such as drainage pipes connected to sewer lines.  Inflow may be directly related to stormwater runoff from sources such as roof leaders, yard and area drains, sump pumps, manhole covers, or cross-connections from storm drains or catch basins. Inflow may also be contributed from non-storm related point sources, such as leaking tide gates, cooling-water discharges, or drains from springs and swampy areas. I/I removal plays an important role in balancing the water budget by minimizing the amount of groundwater and stormwater lost into wastewater systems.

20.a    Wastewater utilities should implement the seven overall goals approved by the I/I Task Force.

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21)    Water utilities should conduct comprehensive water system audits and assessments on a regular basis
Water utilities should conduct a comprehensive audit every 5 to 10 years depending on the findings of the Annual Statistical Report audit. A comprehensive audit is strongly recommended for communities/systems showing significant and unexplainable increases in  unaccounted-for water (UAW) from one year to the next, and for communities/systems that are consistently unable to meet regulatory standards for UAW.

Water suppliers should perform assessments of their systems on a regular basis to determine where capital improvements are appropriate and incorporate the recommendations into a long-term capital improvement program. Specifically, aged and undersized or  deteriorated pipe should be replaced, and  sound pipe should be cleaned and lined to ensure long term structural integrity.

21.a    Every municipality should have up-to-date water system audits and assessments

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22)    Conduct frequent systemwide leak detection and prevent water theft
Old and poorly constructed pipelines, inadequate corrosion protection, poorly maintained valves and mechanical damage are some of the factors contributing to leakage. One effect of water leakage, besides the loss of water resources, is reduced pressure in the supply system. Raising pressures to make up for  leakage losses increases energy consumption,  makes leaking worse, and  adversely impacts the environment. Of the many options available for conserving water, leak detection is a logical first step.

Communities can accomplish the survey using their own contractor or municipal crews; or alternatively, using regional leak detection contracts available through MAPC or the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.  These task-order contracts provide high quality leak detection services at a  reduced cost  resulting from the large volume of work anticipated throughout the regional system.  

New technology such as acoustic leak location systems, in conjunction with radio meter reading systems, can continuously monitor water supply systems for leaks, and identify the locations of leaks, so repair crews can be dispatched efficiently.

22.a    Water utilities should conduct lead detection every two years or should implement acoustic leak location systems

22.b    Water utilities should participate in the MAPC or MWRA regional leak detection procurement programs

22.c    Municipalities should establish penalties for water theft

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23)    Ensure compliance with pressure reduction regulations
Excessive pressure in water service connections can waste considerable amounts of water.  The Massachusetts plumbing code (248 CMR 10.14(g) Excessive Water Pressure) requires that a pressure reducing valve be installed on the water service connection to a building when the pressure is eighty (80) pounds per square inch (psi) or greater. Maintaining water pressure within the regulatory limit conserves water.

Water utilities should evaluate existing water system regulations in order to ensure compliance with this regulatory requirement. This evaluation could include the establishment of maximum pressures for users as a conservation measure. Water suppliers should map their jurisdictions to show areas in which water pressure may exceed the limit in the absence of pressure-reducing valves. They should recommend to and assist the plumbing inspector in conducting periodic surveys to determine whether the pressure reducing valves are functioning properly, and take remedial action as needed.

23.a    The Department of Environmental Protection should require pressure mapping and compliance with the pressure limits as a requirement for Water Management Act withdrawal permits

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24)    Establish fee-based stormwater utilities
Municipal stormwater systems epitomize the concept of “stranded infrastructure.”  Unlike water and sewer systems, there is no dedicated funding stream to ensure adequate maintenance of stormwater systems.  Capital funding (grants, bonds, or developer mitigation) pays for new infrastructure, but constrained tax revenues and competing priorities mean that public works departments are under resourced.  Municipal staff are unable to conduct routine maintenance such as cleaning catch basins, repairing pipe, or removing blockages, resulting in lower pollutant removal and increased flooding.  As years of deferred maintenance result in deterioration requiring complete reconstruction; the shortage of operating funds eventually results in higher capital costs.  

A stormwater utility provides user fee funding similar to water and sewer utilities, but creates an enterprise fund with revenue to pay for operating and maintenance expenses, project or capital-related expenditures, staffing, engineering, permitting, inspection, and program management costs. A stormwater utility is leveraged as a fee charged in exchange for a service, such as stormwater management system operation and maintenance, or construction of new infrastructure.  This charge is a consistent, dedicated, and equitable source of funding.  Stormwater utilities are based on factors that influence stormwater runoff, such as impervious area or land use, which can be used in the rate setting methodology.  Property owners can receive abatements from the fees by implementing best management practices that reduce stormwater runoff.  

Higher-density development may have more significant stormwater impacts, however, in order to encourage appropriate density in urban and town center locations, any stormwater fees should be structured so they do not discourage redevelopment or high-density growth. 

24.a    Municipalities should establish stormwater utilities

24.b    MAPC and allied organizations should disseminate models and provide technical assistance to communities for developing dedicated stormwater utilities

24.c    The Commonwealth should provide technical assistance and/or capacity building for Regional Planning Agencies to assist communities in developing stormwater utilities

24.d    MAPC should evaluate the potential use of Environmental Joint Powers Agreement for the creation of multi-municipal stormwater districts

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