Comments Submitted for Strengthening Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards

Connecticut River in Northfield, MA

In February 2026, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) submitted comments to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) on proposed updates to the state’s Surface Water Quality Standards (314 CMR 4.0). These standards are a cornerstone of clean water protections under the federal Clean Water Act and determine how clean rivers, lakes, and coastal waters must be to support uses such as drinking water, swimming, boating, and aquatic life.

CRC supports many of MassDEP’s proposed improvements, including stronger recreational protections and the removal of outdated classifications. However, we also recommended several important changes to ensure the standards reflect today’s environmental challenges and provide stronger protection for Massachusetts waters.

One key recommendation is to protect water quantity alongside water quality. Low river flows, caused by drought or excessive withdrawals, can concentrate pollution, raise water temperatures, and increase harmful algal blooms. Neighboring states, such as Vermont and Connecticut, already include requirements to maintain adequate flows to protect water quality. CRC urged MassDEP to adopt similar language, apply standards to hydrologic changes such as dams and water withdrawals, and use the most recent thirty years of hydrologic data when determining low-flow conditions.

CRC also called on the state to adopt numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrient pollution fuels algae blooms that degrade lakes, rivers, and estuaries. Massachusetts currently lags behind other New England states in establishing statewide numeric limits. CRC recommends adopting EPA nutrient criteria for lakes and reservoirs now and developing criteria for rivers, streams, and estuaries during the next review cycle.

Another priority is establishing water quality standards for PFAS and cyanobacteria. Both are considered toxic pollutants and are growing concerns for public health and aquatic ecosystems. CRC recommended adopting EPA cyanobacteria criteria and developing PFAS standards aligned with federal guidance so that communities have enforceable protections rather than advisories alone.

CRC also recommended strengthening bacteria monitoring requirements. MassDEP proposes using a 30-day assessment window for bathing beaches but a 90-day window for other waters. CRC urged the state to apply a consistent 30-day window for all waters, consistent with EPA guidance, to better capture short-term contamination spikes that pose risks to swimmers and boaters.

Additional recommendations include strengthening coldwater fisheries protections, clarifying and actively designating Special Resource Waters, and improving public engagement and transparency during the triennial review process.

Surface Water Quality Standards determine whether it is safe to swim, whether fish populations thrive, and how resilient our rivers are to climate change. As drought intensifies and emerging contaminants spread, Massachusetts must ensure its standards remain modern, science-based, and protective.

CRC remains committed to working with MassDEP, municipalities, and community partners to safeguard clean water for current and future generations.

You can read the proposed amendments here!