How is public water access regulated?

In Massachusetts, public water access is governed by the state’s water law. The main purpose of this law is to ensure that the public’s right to access, use, and enjoy the waters of the commonwealth are protected. The law aims to balance the requirement to protect public health and safety with the need to promote economic development. Under the law, it is illegal for anyone to obstruct or pollute waters without a permit. It is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Protection to supervise and inspect businesses and individuals, to ensure that public waters are not contaminated. The law also requires that certain bodies of water remain open to the public. Public access to streams and rivers is important for recreational activities, such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Public access to larger lakes is also protected under the law. The law also regulates the ownership and use of water and the rights of landowners along the shoreline. The state requires that structures like docks and piers be built and maintained in a manner that does not interfere with the public’s right to access the water. Landowners must also obtain permission before altering the shoreline or building new structures on the waterfront. Finally, the law ensures that water utilities are held accountable for providing safe, reliable water services. The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for clean drinking water, and water utilities must comply with these standards.

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How is public water access regulated?

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