Source water protection a winning strategy for Connecticut Water

Connecticut Water Company’s long-standing commitment to protect its water supply sources while providing access to state residents for recreational fishing and hiking was bolstered by its recent acquisition of more than 125 acres of land as open space.

The utility provides hiking at two reservoirs, Killingworth and Shenipsit, and a recreational fishing program at Shenipsit.

The public water utility owns more than 6,600 acres of undeveloped land throughout the state for source protection, including recent land purchases from private owners of about 66 acres in Prospect near the Long Hill Reservoir and about 60 acres in Tolland near the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir in north central Connecticut.

“A healthy watershed provides numerous benefits for the company, our customers and our communities,” said Craig Patla, Connecticut Water president.

“Water quality starts at the source,” he added. “Preserving a natural buffer around water sources safeguards against increased treatment costs related to any environmental changes due to development and benefits the community by protecting green spaces.”

Connecticut Water provides water service to more than 106,000 customers in 60 communities and wastewater services to 3,000 customers in Southbury. Its water is sourced from reservoirs and wells, and the utility invests in protecting and preserving watershed acreage as it becomes available.

The utility also protects source water through forest management plans, careful review of development proposals, implementation of an Emergency Spill Response Program, and regular watershed inspections and clean-up efforts.

Another hiking trail is maintained by Connecticut Water at its Killingworth and Kelseytown reservoirs. All recreational activities on reservoir properties are permitted and approved by the state’s Department of Public Health.