The primary objectives of the WRAC are as follows:

• Gain a better understanding of future water demand, capacity, and quality in Dedham and the surrounding region;
• Assess the need for additional studies, including defining potential budgetary considerations and setting objectives for possible further research;
• Identify possible opportunities to ensure that current planning and development policies and practices are sustainable for future drinking water quality and supply.

The WRAC will conduct thorough research on which to base its findings and recommendations. Key research activities include:

• Evaluating the initiatives, programs, and research available from the Commonwealth relating to State water resources and sustainability to avoid duplicating efforts already achieved;
• Evaluating existing data and studies on drinking water quality and supply locally in Dedham and surrounding communities;
• Conducting interviews with local agencies (e.g. the Dedham-Westwood Water District, Charles River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association, and the Southeast New England Program Network);
• Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Board of Health, Sustainability Advisory Committee, and the Departments of Engineering and Public Works, to gather insights on water demands, quality issues, potential risks, and available resources.

The Water Resource Advisory Committee has 9 members. Two members are appointed by the Select Board, five members are representatives from other Boards, and two members are Ex-Officio. The members are expected to serve until the Committee is dissolved upon the submission of its final report. Current members include:

Presentations from individual WRAC meetings can be downloaded below: 

• June 11, 2024
• July 9, 2024
• August 20, 2024
• September 30, 2024
• October 15, 2024
• November 19, 2024

Additional documents provided by the Committee for background information for both Committee members and the public are available for review online via Dropbox.