Funder: Division of Conservation Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $350,000, reimbursing 60% of approved project costs; increases at the Secretary’s discretion
Summary: Supports Massachusetts land acquisitions and conservation restrictions that protect existing and future public drinking water supplies and groundwater recharge.
Key Information: Applicants must authorize the full project cost from non-state sources; acquired land becomes permanently protected open space.
Description
The Drinking Water Supply Protection (DWSP) Grant Program provides reimbursement funding to protect the quality and quantity of public drinking water sources in Massachusetts. Administered by the Division of Conservation Services and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Grants and Technical Assistance, it supports protection of existing DEP-approved supplies, planned future supplies, and groundwater recharge.
Eligible acquisitions include land purchased in fee simple, Conservation Restrictions (CRs), and Watershed Preservation Restrictions (WPRs). The program funds interests in land rather than water infrastructure or treatment work. Acquisitions become permanently protected open space dedicated to water supply protection and land conservation. Compatible passive public recreation is encouraged where appropriate, but water supply protection remains the primary purpose.
