The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) was established in 1985 as an independent public authority. The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), the agency that provided these services prior to MWRA continues to manage the watersheds and reservoirs, which are the source of water for the MWRA service area. The MWRA is the "wholesale" distributor of water to 45 cities and towns. This is accomplished through 130 miles of large aqueducts and 260 miles of large diameter distribution pipelines. Distribution of water to consumers within the communities is the responsibility of the local water departments. Collectively, the 45 communities own approximately 6200 miles of distribution pipelines for this purpose. MWRA's waterworks operations are funded entirely from sale of water to the 45 communities. Prior to creation of the MWRA, some communities actively pursued water conservation programs such as leak detection or aggressive public education with good results. However, many communities had done little to control efficiency of water use. This was largely a result of local funding difficulties, relatively low water costs and a lack of awareness of supply problems in general.
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