An Act to provide sustainable water resources in the town of Tyngsborough

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Authorizes Tyngsborough Water District to withdraw up to 1,000,000 gallons per day from district sources for its customers, notwithstanding Chapter 21G, effective on passage.

Accompanied a study order, see H5307

Overview and purpose

Purpose: To provide sustainable water resources for Tyngsborough by authorizing the Tyngsborough Water District to withdraw a specified amount of water from sources located on its properties.

Context: The bill declares a need to ensure reliable water resources for the town and its residents, by enabling greater local control over withdrawals within a defined limit.

Key provisions

Section 1: The Tyngsborough Water District may withdraw up to 1,000,000 gallons of water per day from water sources on its properties. This is stated to occur notwithstanding Chapter 21G of the General Laws (the Massachusetts Water Resources/Water Management Act) or “any other general or special law or regulation to the contrary.”

This creates a carve-out that allows a higher (or differently regulated) level of withdrawals than would ordinarily be permitted under existing state law.

Section 2: The act takes effect upon passage, meaning it would become law immediately upon enactment.

Affected parties and potential impact

Primary beneficiary: Tyngsborough Water District and its customers (residents and businesses served by the district), who would be able to withdraw up to 1,000,000 gallons per day from district-owned water sources.

Potentially affected:

Other water users in the region who might be influenced by changes in local water withdrawals or resource management.
Environmental regulators and state agencies responsible for water resource oversight, given the explicit override of Chapter 21G.
Property owners and land managers with water sources on district properties.

Note on regulatory scope: The bill uses a broad “notwithstanding” clause, signaling significant state-law preemption for the specified withdrawals.

Procedural status and timeline

Introduced: March 20, 2025.

Status: Referred to the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

Legislative history note: The petition lists Colleen M. Garry as sponsor; local approval is indicated as received (Local Approval Received). There is a related matter filed in a prior session (House No. 28, 2023-2024) and a version filed as House Docket No. 4410.

Effective date: Upon passage.

Additional context

Relationship to related measures: The bill is listed as House Docket No. 4410 and is associated with a prior similar filing, suggesting ongoing consideration of Tyngsborough’s water resource needs.

Legal note: The explicit override of Chapter 21G signals a significant policy choice to empower local withdrawals beyond standard state regulation.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to the usual protections and requirements under Chapter 21G, or outline potential policy considerations and questions lawmakers might explore during committee review.

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