DCR/DWSP routinely monitors the water quality of groundwater and surface waters that flow into the Wachusett Reservoir, part of the water supply system that provides drinking water to over three million people. DCR/DWSP has documented significant increases in markers that indicate the amount of salt in the reservoir. There are numerous studies that link similar increases nationwide to excessive application of road salt. Municipal and state DPWs and private applicators collectively apply as much as 18,000 tons of salt within the watershed annually, and salt persists in water and soil for years. These high levels of salt can impact drinking water treatment and distribution (both in the reservoir and in wells), increase corrosion potential, and cause significant damage to infrastructure and the environment. Once introduced into an ecosystem, salt is difficult and costly to remove. DCR/DWSP is committed to finding ways to reduce salt use in the Wachusett Reservoir watershed. This grant program will provide financial assistance to help the seven watershed towns upgrade their snow and ice removal equipment and take advantage of innovative technologies in order to use the best salt use reduction strategies.
