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H 4112

An Act relative to firefighting water supplies and a state cistern program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Hogan

Massachusetts bill establishing state cistern program to improve firefighting water access in underserved communities lacking adequate hydrants or municipal water pressure.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4112

Legislative bill overview

H 4112 establishes a state cistern program in Massachusetts to improve firefighting water supplies, particularly in areas with inadequate hydrant infrastructure or water pressure. The bill creates mechanisms for the state to support the installation and maintenance of cisterns—large water storage systems—that firefighters can access during emergency response. This addresses infrastructure gaps in rural and underserved communities where municipal water systems may be insufficient.

Why is this important

Inadequate water supplies hamper firefighting effectiveness and can result in uncontrolled fires, property loss, and loss of life. Many Massachusetts communities, especially rural areas, lack sufficient hydrant coverage or water pressure for effective fire suppression. By establishing a dedicated cistern program, the state can systematically improve emergency water access where municipal systems fail, potentially saving lives and reducing fire-related damage across the commonwealth.

Potential points of contention

  • Program costs and funding: Who bears the financial burden—the state, municipalities, or property owners—and whether dedicated funding is adequate for widespread cistern installation and maintenance
  • Implementation standards: Questions about which communities qualify, cistern placement decisions, maintenance responsibility, and whether standards will be uniformly applied across regions
  • Water source and quality: Concerns about cistern water sourcing (groundwater, rainwater, municipal supply), seasonal availability, water quality testing, and whether systems remain functional year-round in Massachusetts climates

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

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