Water Management Act Grant Programs for Public Water Suppliers
This grant funds research and projects to improve water system efficiency, planning, and environmental mitigation for Massachusetts public water suppliers.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates: September 3, 2026 (Questions due) | September 21, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 available; typical awards $25,000–$350,000; 20% match required; cost-reimbursement basis.
Summary: Supports Massachusetts public water suppliers and municipalities with planning, demand management, and mitigation projects to improve water system efficiency and address water withdrawal impacts.
Key Information: Preference for projects benefiting Disadvantaged Communities; only public water suppliers or municipalities with WMA permits/applications eligible.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, provides funding to public water suppliers and municipalities holding Water Management Act (WMA) permits or with permit applications under review. The program is designed to support projects that address long-term water resource needs, enhance water use efficiency, and mitigate environmental and community impacts of water withdrawals. Eligible projects include planning initiatives (such as drought and resiliency studies, firm yield studies, and PFAS-related planning), demand management projects (including conservation, rate studies, and drought management), and implementation of mitigation measures (such as stormwater recharge, habitat improvement, and wastewater projects that keep water local).
A strong emphasis is placed on projects that benefit Disadvantaged Communities, as well as collaborative and regional approaches. All funding is on a cost-reimbursement basis, and applicants must provide a 20% match (cash or in-kind).
