Connecticut Water Proposes $21M Water Solution for UConn, Mansfield

Clinton-based Connecticut Water Company is proposing to spend $21 million to bring "a reliable supply of water" to the UConn Storrs campus and residents of Mansfield at no charge to the university, taxpayers or the town, according to a news release issued by the utility.

Plans include a five mile pipeline that will bring two million gallons of water a day from the utility's Shenipsit Lake Reservoir in Tolland to Mansfield in an effort to solve the area's water shortage, according to the utility.

The submission was made as part of the Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) process, and Eric Thornburg, president and CEO of Connecticut Water Company, says the utility can deliver on its proposal.

"It pains us to see the state’s flagship University, a source of pride and opportunity for our state, have its plans constrained due to the lack of adequate water supply," Thornburg said in a prepared statement. 

"Likewise, the Town of Mansfield has had to idle development and is unable to control or plan for its future. The detailed response and the information in the EIE clearly demonstrate that Connecticut Water can deliver a reliable supply of water to the University most quickly, with the least environmental impacts at no cost to the taxpayers and Mansfield residents," he said.

Connecticut Water also promises to charge water customers $190 to $250 less than the competition. 

UConn and Mansfield are also considering the possibility of tapping into reservoirs operated by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) in the Farmington River Valley and Windham Water Works in Storrs, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Stephanie Reitz, a UConn spokesperson, told the San Francisco Chronicle a decision could be made as early as August.

"We expect to have a decision from Mansfield officials about the plan at that point because the school is working jointly with the town on this," Reitz said.

For more on Connecticut Water's proposal, visit the utility online.