Massachusetts § 39C - Construction and maintenance of dams, wells, reservoirs and other buildings; conditions

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 39C — Construction and maintenance of dams, wells, reservoirs and other buildings; conditions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39C. Construction and maintenance of dams, wells, reservoirs and other buildings; conditions

Section 39C. A town may construct and maintain on the lands acquired and held by it under section thirty-nine B proper dams, wells, reservoirs, pumping and filtration plants, buildings, standpipes, tanks, fixtures and other structures, including also purification and treatment works, the construction and maintenance of which shall be subject to the approval of the department of environmental protection, and may make excavations, procure and operate machinery, and provide such other means and appliances and do such other things as may be necessary for the establishment and maintenance of complete and effective water works; and for that purpose may construct, lay and maintain aqueducts, conduits, pipes and other works, under or over any lands, water courses, railroads, railways and public or other ways, and along any such way in said town in such manner as not unnecessarily to obstruct the same; and for the purposes of constructing, laying, maintaining, operating and repairing such conduits, pipes and other works, and for all other proper purposes of sections thirty-nine A to thirty-nine E, inclusive, a town may dig up or raise and embank any such lands, highways or other ways in such manner as to cause the least hindrance to public travel thereon; provided, that all things done upon any such way shall be subject to the direction of the selectmen of the town or, in the case of a state highway, of the state department of highways; and provided, further, that no such town shall enter upon, or construct or lay any conduits, pipes or other works within, the location of any railroad corporation except at such time and in such manner as it may agree upon with such corporation or, in case of failure so to agree, as may be approved by the department of telecommunications and energy.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 39C

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 39C cover?

Section 39C ("Construction and maintenance of dams, wells, reservoirs and other buildings; conditions") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 39C?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 39C" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 39C apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.