Leicester, Massachusetts & MassDEP: Leicester Water District Analysis
Welcome to our project page! During our interactive qualifying project (IQP) we collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Town of Leicester to analyze the feasibility of incorporating a collaborative water management system in the Leicester, Massachusetts. As such, we have explored various models of resource sharing between the three water districts and how they can work together to alleviate the issues of water quality and quantity for Leicester’s current and future water needs.
Project Sponsor: Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection (MassDEP)
The MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s natural resources – air, water, land – and to provide for the health, safety, welfare and enjoyment of the people and the protection of their property. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental is responsible for, but not limited to, regulatory oversight of drinking and waste water districts within the Commonwealth.
Project Sponsor: The Town of Leicester, Massachusetts
The Town of Leicester is located in the heart of Central Massachusetts bordering the City of Worcester. Leicester has a population of just less than 11,000 residents spread out over 23.36 square miles of land. The Town of Leicester is quite unique with regards to its independently operating water districts. However, a significant portion of Leicester’s future is dependent on the cooperation between the water districts. Given its roadway infrastructure, proximity to the cities of Worcester and Boston, and ample undeveloped land, the community has the opportunity to expand its tax base through planned smart growth projects.
Student Researchers
Our project team consisted of the following members:
- Shanel Chisholm
- James Commisso
- U Shwe Thein
Project Goals & Objectives
Project goal: The goal of our project was to aid the Town of Leicester with research on methods on collaboration between the water districts to help Leicester continue to grow and develop, particularly with regards to their water needs.
Objectives:
1. Identify the state of water management issues in Leicester.
2. Identify towns and cities with existing methods of resource sharing
3. Analyze the feasibility of applying various methods of resource sharing to Leicester
4. Explore and develop approaches for connecting Moose Hill Reservoir and Shaw Pond to the town’s collaborative water management system
5. Utilize feedback from sponsors and stakeholder representatives on potential recommendations for Leicester
6. Develop a detailed list of recommendations for Leicester’s future water needs