Massachusetts § 4B - Water companies; eminent domain or purchase; waters, water rights, lands and easements

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 4B — Water companies; eminent domain or purchase; waters, water rights, lands and easements, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4B. Water companies; eminent domain or purchase; waters, water rights, lands and easements

Section 4B. Any water company or corporation subject to this chapter having franchise rights encompassing an entire city, town or district may, subject to determination by the department after notice and a public hearing as to the public convenience and necessity, and with the advice and consent of the department of environmental protection, take by eminent domain under chapter seventy-nine or acquire by purchase or otherwise and hold the waters, or any portion thereof, of any pond, brook, spring, stream or groundwater sources within its franchise territory not already appropriated for purposes of public water supply, and any water or flowage rights connected therewith, and such lands, rights of way and other easements as may be necessary for collecting, storing, holding, purifying and treating such water and protecting and preserving the purity thereof, and for conveying the same to any place within its franchise territory.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 4B

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 4B cover?

Section 4B ("Water companies; eminent domain or purchase; waters, water rights, lands and easements") 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 § 4B?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 4B" (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 § 4B 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.