Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership

Project Leader: Jerome Schoen

Participating Extension Staff:

• Jerome Schoen
• Marie-Françoise Walk

Project Year: 2009

Brief Description 

Water is a primordial resource that must be protected to provide clean drinking water, support viable terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems, serve as an essential resource for businesses, and provide recreational opportunities. Historically in our region, water supply has been adequate, and point source pollution is now mostly under control. Increases in human population and changes in lifestyles, however, are creating new problems around water quantity and quality. Water withdrawals result in dry river beds and water consumption advisories, and polluted storm water has become a major concern for surface water bodies and wetlands. New pollutants are also discovered that need to be mitigated.

It is ultimately the state's responsibility to ensure safe and adequate water supply. In turn, the state relies on University-based research to investigate new threats, new treatment technologies, restoration principles, best management practices and effective policy steps to guide decision-makers. UMass Extension can bridge the gap between academic research and practices to apply that research. Municipal and regional government needs direction and practical examples to solve local water resource problems. Natural resources-based businesses need guidance to conduct business in an economically viable, environmentally conscious way. Other entities (agencies, non-profit organizations) need information to help educate the public on what steps they can take to protect the water resources they use. The Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MassWWP) provides training and other technical assistance to citizen organizations who conduct water quality monitoring programs on the lakes, rivers, and estuaries of Massachusetts.

Activities

• Water Resources Research Center Conference
• Stormwater research, outreach, techincal assistance program development

Inputs: Time and Effort

Outcomes:

This Project will document progress towards the following:

• Stormwater and LID-related research, outreach and training programs are developed; collaborating partners and funding sources identified. Proposals are written. Schedules are developed.
• Participants at WRRC Conference acquire knowledge and skills related to water resources, ecosystem health, biodiversity, stormwater, land use, and climate change science and policy.

This project is part of the Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation program