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PDF version of the State's 2004 Water Policy is available on the State's website.

On July 14th, 2005, the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission (WRC) voted to classify the Weir River as a 'high-stressed' basin. Why did they do this and what does it mean?

The Weir River Watershed Association (WRWA) has long sought to have an official assessment of our river. We have witnessed signs of the river's degradation over the years, and wanted the State to evaluate the severity of the problem. Only this year, did the WRC believe that they had the data to act on our request. Of the three levels of stress that the State may assign to a river system, the Weir River received the highest stress classification possible.

The Commonwealth uses a 'Stress Framework'-designed water policy to encourage local communities and water-related entities to develop proactive water management policies and comprehensive regional solutions based on the actual conditions within a watershed. The goals are to encourage more efficient use of water, promote infrastructure maintenance, waste and stormwater recharge, water supply development, and resource protection, along with formulating restoration strategies. The stress framework sets performance standards for a river basin that is coupled to actual streamflow conditions. Working to achieve these standards could possibly involve establishing targeted recommendations or requirements related to water efficiency, offset mitigation, water banking, and smart planning strategies. Because the stress of a community's water resource is tied to a tiered system, as the stress-level decreases so would the degree of required management.

The State recommends that all communities develop an “Integrative Water Resource Management Plan” that looks to balance the inflow and outflow of water within that community in order to support sensible growth and planning. Developing new water supply sources is a long-term planning effort that involves conservation first, followed by recharge and reuse of recycled water. It should not be overlooked that Hingham and Hull's water supply needs are irrecovably tied to wastewater recharge and reuse, as well as stormwater recharge. Fortunately, Hingham has already begun this evaluation process. The results from their wastewater study should be available sometime late next year.

Current guidelines and practices are already in place to provide Hingham and Hull's water supplier, Aquarion Water Company, with clear and concise management criteria for fulfilling our two communities' needs. Balancing water withdrawals with actual streamflow conditions is central to the State's water policy. Measures to identify and prioritize stressed habitat areas with in our watershed must also be tied to water supply management. In our towns, the underground water pipes are relatively old. The State's 2004 Water Policy prioritizes state resources to repairing water supply infrastructure, supporting a "fix-it-first" mentality of maintenance and early repair.

Finally, Hingham and Hull should be encouraged to follow 'smart growth' practices relative to our water resources. This will include coordinating efforts with various external partners including governmental agencies, private enterprise, and stewardship organizations like the Weir River Watershed Association. It is only through collaborative planning that we will be able to achieve what's best for our community and our environment, and at the same time ensure a sustainable level of development.

The July 14th vote of the WRC has helped solidify our long-term success relative to solving Hingham and Hull's water supply problems.

For more information, as well as a link to the State's 2004 Water Policy, please visit www.Weirriver.org.

Kirk Shilts, D.C., Member
Weir River Watershed Association
Hingham Water Supply Committee