State To Fund Emergency Drinking Water Project In Montville

MONTVILLE, CT — Montville will soon receive a new emergency waterline and pumping station to protect its local water system infrastructure.

The new resources will be built by the state Department of Public Health, which recently received a $556,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency as part of a larger federal project to support drinking water systems in underserved or small communities, according to a statement from State Senators Martha Marx (D-New London) and Cathy Osten (D-Norwich).

The new waterline and pumping station are designed to protect drinking water system infrastructure from drought. This will consist of a new water main to provide an emergency connection between the Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority's two Montville and Seven Oaks Divisions distribution systems.

The pumping station will be built to add pressure to the system and allow the Seven Oaks Division to supply the Montville Division with water during periods of heavy summer use and drought.

"Drought poses a risk to our communities; in the last decade, we've seen multiple periods of significant drought roil Connecticut, and our region has struggled," Marx said in a statement. "While we're seeing lots of rain now, we know that can change quickly with the forecasts. It's great to know that Montville's residents will have the resources in place to guarantee them safe drinking water even in the case of emergencies. I'm grateful to our federal leaders and federal delegation for their support of this important program."

This effort is meant to fight droughts and floods while preserving safe and clean drinking water.

"Knowing that our community has additional steps in place to mitigate future challenges is relieving," Osten said in a statement. "This new waterline and pumping station represent long-term investments in our region that can avert potential disaster. Drought and extreme weather pose a risk to our communities; this action by our federal government mitigates that risk and ensures residents will continue to have access to clean drinking water no matter what."

Montville Mayor Leonard G. Bunnell Sr. added:"Clean water is the foundation of health, prosperity, and peace. Without it, life and growth are impossible; with it, communities thrive and future generations flourish. We are very fortunate to receive assistance in the construction of the emergency waterline and pumping station in Montville."