Citizen Participation in Water Supply System Planning and Management

Elliott, William G.; Simonson, Eileen R.; Dawson, Alexandra D.; Hubley, Robie O.; ,

Citizen Participation in Water Supply System Planning and Management

by William G. Elliott, Massachusetts Water Resources, Authority, Hadley, United States,
Eileen R. Simonson, Massachusetts Water Resources, Authority, Hadley, United States,
Alexandra D. Dawson, Massachusetts Water Resources, Authority, Hadley, United States,
Robie O. Hubley, Massachusetts Water Resources, Authority, Hadley, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Management in the '90s: A Time for Innovation

Abstract:

The Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee (WSCAC) is a unique citizens group. Although it is funded by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), it has a paid staff who are independent of the agency, and report only to the Committee. WSCAC was initially organized in 1978 to provide citizen oversight for a proposed large river diversion project. The committee was instrumental in demonstrating that demand management and system repair could meet the projected needs for the planning period. WSCAC presently acts in an advisory capacity to the MWRA Board of Directors and staff on water supply policy and programs. For over a decade WSCAC has provided information and advice to the public, legislators, and state agencies. The Committee has a major impact on state water policy, water management activities, and the passage of major legislation. During the past year WSCAC has participated with MWRA staff in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Study of Water Management During Drought. As part of this effort, WSCAC has assisted with system simulation modeling, development of system performance criteria, evaluation of alternative management strategies, and 'trigger planning.' This paper will describe the makeup and functioning of WSCAC and our role in this study.

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