This paper describes the methodology that Massachusetts water suppliers are currently using for taking action to protect their watershed resources. Although there is no regulatory requirement for the preparation of these plans, the author is hopeful that all water suppliers will take action to locate and control areas within their watersheds that are vulnerable to contamination. When completed, these plans will provide enough compelling information to encourage decision makers, locally and within their region, to take what ever action is required to restrict and otherwise limit developments and landuse activities that have been identified in the literature as threats to water quality. This paper also describes current Division of Water Supply activities underway and discusses some issues and problems that will require resolution for sustaining long-term, water-quality, and - quantity needs of watersheds, which include: unfiltered systems applying for a waiver to the Surface Water Treatment Rule; the role of sanitary survey in watershed protection; and watershed resource protection plan implementation issues. ;