Within the Taunton River Watershed, the Canoe River Aquifer is a sole-source aquifer co-located within the towns of Easton, Foxborough, Mansfield, Norton, and Sharon, Massachusetts. For more than 50,000 people, it is the only viable source of drinking water. The Canoe River Aquifer was designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) by the state more than 20 years ago, but protecting the watershed heavily relies on local policies and enforcement.

In March 2020, Bourne sought technical assistance from the SNEP Network. Network partner Throwe Environmental LLC realized a comprehensive look at the Town’s resiliency and climate financing strategy.