The Towns of Southwick and West Springfield derive the majority of their water supply from the same source subbasin – Great Brook Subbasin or subbasin 19078. This subbasin is highly impacted by groundwater withdrawals. It is also a coldwater fish resource which is provided special protection under the revised WMA regulations. Abt Associates and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission worked with both towns to assess current conditions, projected water needs and applicable regulations. We evaluated numerous actions for cost-effectiveness for meeting the regulations and determined that documenting completed projects that qualify for credit, implementing an aggressive water conservation program and timed, surface releases from Congamond Lakes were top activities for meeting requirements. In addition West Springfield may consider a rate study for full cost pricing and as an incentive for water conservation as well as an aggressive program to reduce unaccounted-for-water. We also implemented a survey of water users in both towns to determine the most effective measures for water conservation. Based on the survey we designed a water conservation program with specific actions and targets as well as educational materials to support the program’s implementation and uptake.

Final Report Appendix D

Final Report Appendix E