Drinking Water Supply Protection FY26 Grant

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is seeking proposals for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Drinking Water Supply Protection (DWSP) Grant Program. The program provides funds to assist in protecting and conserving the quality and quantity of public drinking water supply sources in the Commonwealth. Eligible projects include the purchase of land in fee simple, a Conservation Restriction (CR), or Watershed Preservation Restriction (WPR). Eligible applicants are municipalities, municipal water suppliers, and water districts and fire districts duly established by law. The maximum reimbursement available is 60% of approved project costs up to $350,000. The grant is a reimbursement program, and applicants selected to receive funding must show authorization to expend the total project cost from non-state sources. Some key points to consider: • The grant program is open to municipalities, municipal water suppliers, and water districts and fire districts duly established by law. • Eligible projects include the purchase of land in fee simple, a Conservation Restriction (CR), or Watershed Preservation Restriction (WPR). • The maximum reimbursement available is 60% of approved project costs up to $350,000. • Applicants must demonstrate good, clear, marketable title to the interest acquired in the form of a Title Certificate. • The grant program encourages compatible uses of protected open space, such as hiking and hunting, consistent with MassDEP Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR 22.00 and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.