> Under this new law landlords may now bill tenants
separately for water, but only if all of the following happens:

1. Your tenancy started after March 16, 2005 which is when this new
law takes effect.
2. Individual submeters are installed for each unit by a licensed plumber.
3. Low-flow fixtures (water conserving faucets, showerheads, and toilets)
are installed.
4. The previous tenant was not forced out. This is to prevent landlords
from forcing out existing tenants in order to bring in new tenants who
would be required to pay a separate water bill.
5. There is a written rental agreement signed by your landlord that
clearly states that you are responsible to pay a separate water bill,
and what the billing arangements are.
6. The Landlord Has Filed Certification With The Local Board Of
Health, or, Inspectional Services that certifies that they have done all
of the above.

If the landlord has failed to follow any one of the above
requirements, s/he cannot bill you directly for water.

For additional information, please check this link...
http://www.masslegalhelp.org/docs/WaterLawBooklet.pdf