Aquifer Protection District

Land located within an Aquifer Protection District is governed by local by-laws and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP). An Aquifer Protection District is created to protect the quality on surface stormwater contributing to a sub-surface water aquifer.

Land located within areas protected by an Aquifer Protection District provides development constraints for uses ranging from industrial uses, sub-surface septic systems, creation of impervious surfaces and overall development. In many cases, municipalities provide development standards for each specific use within an Aquifer Protection District.

Activities conducted within an Aquifer Protection District have jurisdictional regulatory authority included but not limited to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), local Board of Health, and Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). In many cases, insurance agencies and banking institutions may require additional investigations as to the effect of the above mentioned resource area on the value of the land.

Land value within an Aquifer Protection District is constantly fluctuating in value depending on regulatory restrictions and development techniques which is evaluated on a case by case basis.