The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is setting new limits on how much water can be used by towns in the Charles River watershed, drastically altering the development plans of many towns.
The town of Millis is dreading the possible impacts of the proposed limits as it may be forced to halt a large housing development plan already in the works. The limits would change the town's water allowance from 990,000 gallons per day to 790,000 gallons per day. The state is proposing the limit change in response to a number of streams statewide that have dried up and water aquifers that are being pumped beyond their rate of replenishment.
"Town Administrator Charles Aspinwall said Millis now uses less than 790,000 gallons, but the town used 836,000 until it patched leaks and installed more accurate water meters, thus discouraging waste."
"He said he fears the town's demand for water could quickly return to earlier levels if new developments are built and, once the limits are reached, development could be blocked. At least one large residential project is being considered and a recent zoning change increased the likelihood of growth in the future."
FULL STORY: Water-use limits may cut growth
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