Water

Eaton has abundant water resources that support the community in many ways. Eaton does not have a municipal water system. All water for household and commercial use comes from wells and springs. Surface waters provide habitat for numerous species; recreation through fishing, boating, swimming, and skating; and are one of the town’s scenic assets.

While currently of high quality Eaton’s waters are potentially under threat from human activity and natural phenomena. Storm water runoff, chemical contaminants, and erosion reduce water quality and clarity affecting habitat for aquatic species and adjacent terrestrial species as well as the suitability of lakes and ponds for recreation. Increased land development can multiply the effects of these problems.

Climate change is exacerbating these threats. More frequent high intensity storms cause more runoff and erosion as well as more broadly spreading any contamination and increasing the likelihood of flooding.