Water Impact of Zoning

Zoning bylaws dictate how many buildings/condos and what type of buildings can be constructed on a parcel of land.

The more condos, the more users of Acton water.

The Town's proposed zoning (if passed) at Town Meeting (May 6/7), would alllow for developers to develop thousands of additional "market rate" (not affordable) condos in Acton.

How significant an impact would this be?

Could this lead to more water restrictions? more PFAS or toxic chemical risk?

Let's back up.

Acton water usage is dictated by the state withdrawal permit.

At Acton's current rate of growth in the number of condos/houses, Acton Water District is fast approaching its limit.

Years ago, certain Town officials grew alarmed at the impact of growth and published the following graph below to illustrate how close Acton Water District is getting to the limit.

Acton Water District has been trying hard to get water users to conserve, to help ease the situation.

Because the Acton Water District's "organizational charter" limits its ability to deny developers new water hookups, zoning changes to allow "more building" may impact water health, related bio systems, and water use restrictions for existing water users.

Desite the Acton' Water District's efforts it is still fast approaching the limit. And the state has indicated it has no inention of increasing the limit.

As a result, please carefully consider your vote on May 6/7, and whether you want the Town to allow the building of thousands of additional condos