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Current Water Protection Issues and Status:
1. University Ave runoff is contaminating Dedham's potable wells and wetlands
Issue Summary
Runoff from University Avenue is impacting Dedham's drinking water and adjacent wetlands with salt contamination
Why It Matters
Beyond evident environmental impacts, parties in Westwood are releasing contaminated storm run-off on top of the potable wells Dedham & Westwood rely upon. Additionally, DWWD is investing $15 million for a "Forever Chemical" treatment plant on a well field which, because of continued salt accumulation, would appear to have a diminishing level of return.
Last Status:
Reported as referred to Town Counsel 11 months ago in March 2025
Current Status
Town Counsel has yet to respond
Most Recent Action
Feb. 10, 2026: Town bodies of Dedham, Westwood, and the DWWD notified of Dedham Water Project and issues
2. Our Aquifer Protection Bylaw does NOT adequately protect the aquifer
Issue Summary
Dedham's current Aquifer Protection Overlay District (APOD) bylaw does not meaningfully protect water quality.
Why It Matters
Due to this delay, the issue is unlikely to appear on the Spring Town Meeting Warrant.
Last Status: Reported as referred to Town Counsel 2months ago - Dec 2,2025
Current Status
Town Counsel has yet to respond as to whether the Conservation Commission may discuss, review, or support.
Most Recent Action
Feb 10, 2026: Follow-up email sent to Town Counsel.
3. Water quality data currently shared with the public is NOT accurate or complete
Issue Summary
Publicly shared water quality data is not complete or accurate.
Why It Matters
Despite the Water Quality Reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) provided by DWWD, residents have no accurate insight as to what the actual quality is of the water they consume. Water quality averages are incorrectly calculated and not sampled during peak periods or at meaningful frequencies. Without the uniform blending of our multiple water sources, residents are more likely to consume water with contaminant levels reflective of seasonal trends from the closest water treatment plant
Last Status: No corrective action planned
Current Status
The Dedham-Westwood Water District has no plans to correct the data.
Most Recent Action
Jan 8, 2026: Select Board and Planning Board notified that Water Quality Report they receive is inaccurate.
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