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Bill

HD 278

An Act implementing a home water filtration tax credit

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe McKenna

Massachusetts would offer tax credits to residents installing home water filtration systems, incentivizing private drinking water improvement while shifting costs from public infrastructure to individual households.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 278

Legislative bill overview

HD 278 would establish a tax credit for Massachusetts residents who install home water filtration systems. The credit would reduce individual income tax liability for qualifying filtration equipment purchases and installation. This represents a state-level incentive to encourage private investment in water quality improvement at the household level.

Why is this important

Water quality concerns—including lead contamination, PFOA/PFAS chemicals, and aging infrastructure—affect many Massachusetts households. By subsidizing filtration systems through tax credits, the bill aims to provide residents with affordable access to improved drinking water while potentially reducing reliance on municipal water systems. However, this approach relies on individual action rather than addressing infrastructure problems systematically.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Tax credits primarily benefit higher-income filers who have the upfront capital and tax liability to use them; lower-income residents may struggle to afford initial costs despite eventual credits
  • Infrastructure vs. individual responsibility: Critics may argue the state should fix water systems directly rather than shifting responsibility to individual households for filtration
  • Cost and revenue impact: The fiscal burden on the state budget depends on credit amounts and uptake rates, which may not be clearly defined
  • Effectiveness questions: The bill doesn't address whether filtered water reaches all household members or whether certain contaminants require professional remediation beyond consumer filters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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