Water Use Rules in Massachusetts (2026)
7 rules on the books across Massachusetts, 7 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Recycled Water Rules
Where purple-pipe recycled water is required for irrigation, dual-plumbing requirements for new construction, and cross-connection-control rules.
Leak Reporting Duty
Property owner's duty to report and repair water leaks within a set window once notified, plus how utilities issue leak-adjustment credits and impose penalties.
Boston
Some RestrictionsBoston Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-6.35 makes every water customer responsible for keeping their own service pipes in…
Read full rule →Cambridge
Some RestrictionsCambridge owners and occupants must fix a defective service pipe or fixture within three days of it becoming defective…
Read full rule →Chelsea
Some RestrictionsChelsea's Department of Public Works enforces a flat ban on letting water leak or run to waste under Code of Ordinances…
Read full rule →Leominster
Some RestrictionsLeominster Code § 21-13(h) requires every water customer to keep fixtures and the service pipe in good repair and…
Read full rule →Quincy
Some RestrictionsQuincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) requires customers to repair leaks found in their own private water pipes once…
Read full rule →Fall River
Light RestrictionsFall River property owners who repair an unforeseen water leak quickly, and did not cause it through negligence, can…
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