Healey-Driscoll Administration announce $700,000 in grant funding for drinking water projects in Fall River, Ipswich

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced $700,000 in grant funding to protect drinking water resources in Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ is awarding grants from the Drinking Water Supply Protection program to two communities, which will enable them to acquire land to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water and protect public health.   

“Every family and community in Massachusetts depends on access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments will help protect critical water resources, preserve open space, and support public health for generations to come. We’re proud to partner with local communities to protect the natural resources that make Massachusetts such a great place to live, work and raise a family.” 

“Clean water is something every community depends on,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help cities and towns protect the land that keeps our drinking water safe while preserving open space and creating opportunities for residents to connect with nature. It’s an investment that will benefit communities for years to come.” 

“These projects will preserve valuable open space while ensuring communities have access to clean water,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Through these investments, we are expanding opportunities for environmental education, restoring habitat, and protecting critical wetlands. That will create lasting benefits for residents and the environment.” 

Since 2004, the program has funded municipal and public water systems and fire districts’ acquisition of land in fee or a conservation restriction for water supply protection. The properties will become protected open space under Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, dedicated to water supply protection and land conservation. EEA selects projects that contribute to water supply protection, including the protection of existing or future wells and reservoirs, as well as protecting land that supports groundwater recharge. Conserving these lands has many additional benefits as well, such as enhancing passive outdoor recreation.  

“I have worked closely with the Healey-Driscoll administration to ensure that communities in my district can leverage the many state grant programs available for capital projects that municipal budgets simply cannot afford,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I’m thrilled the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has awarded Fall River a $350,000 grant to purchase a 10-acre parcel that is vital in protecting the City’s water. We need to do all we can to preserve and protect our environmental green space and critical wetland habitat. All residents deserve clean and safe drinking water, and this investment will safeguard the Noth Watuppa Pond shoreline for generations to come!”   

“I am always happy to see the City of Fall River awarded funding, especially for the expansion of the Bioreserve Environmental Education and Discovery Center, said State Representative Carole A. Fiola (D—6th Bristol). “The Bioreserve is an amazing natural resource for the City of Fall River and this extra land will provide even more opportunities for our residents to enjoy the outdoors and recreational activities right in our Gateway City. I’d like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the importance of this project and for continuing to invest in the health, sustainability, and quality of life of communities across the Commonwealth.” 

“Ipswich, the community at the end of the Ipswich River, has worked tirelessly to conserve and protect our precious water resources. For years, residents, local officials, and advocates have stepped up to ensure that both our community and the river ecosystems we depend on have enough water to survive and thrive.  This grant is more than an investment in infrastructure—it is an investment in the long‑term resilience of our region. It will expand our opportunities to safeguard drinking water, strengthen our ability to manage drought, and protect the natural resources that define and sustain our communities,” said State Representative Kristin E. Kassner (D—2nd Essex).  “I want to thank the Healey‑Driscoll Administration for recognizing the very real challenges we face in securing and protecting our water supply.”   

Projects receiving Drinking Water Supply Protection grants are: