Politics & Government

Connecticut Water Counters MDC Proposal as Opponents Tally Petition Signatures

Voices for the Farmington River says it has collected 1,800 signatures opposing the MDC plan.

The Metropolitan District Commission’s controversial plan to divert up to 5 million gallons of water per day from the Farmington River watershed to serve the University of Connecticut and the town of Mansfield has an attractive competitor.

Connecticut Water Company reiterated its desire Friday to solve the area’s water shortage by building the infrastructure — at an estimated cost of $21 million — to provide the water at no cost to the town or state. The water would come from Connecticut Water’s system in Tolland, just five miles away, according to a statement from Eric Thornburg, Connecticut Water president and CEO. That’s a far less disruptive proposition, Thornburg says, than the MDC’s plan to divert water through 20 miles of new pipeline.

Thornburg acknowledges the obvious question — why? — and says it is indeed out of the goodness of the company’s heart.

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“Why is Connecticut Water doing this? … 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. Likewise, the Town of Mansfield has had to idle development and is unable to control or plan for its future,” he writes. 

The company would also stand to expand its customer base, already 300,000 people in 56 communities across the state, according to the release.  

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At the same time, more than 1,800 residents have signed a Voices for the Farmington River petition, according to a release from the group. Their objections add to those from town officials across the Farmington Valley, particularly Simsbury, Canton and Farmington.

One of the most common objections from Farmington Valley residents is that the Farmington River is frequently too low and any excess water should be used to properly maintain it. 

“We do know that the Farmington River is already under great stress. Water flow is low. Water temperature is high. Fisheries and recreational uses have already been affected and are in further danger. An incremental gallon of water drawn by the MDC is a gallon of water that is not available to sustain the river,” said Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, on behalf of several area towns.

In addition to Connecticut Water Company and the MDC, Windham Water has also submitted a proposal to provide water to the area. No decision has yet been made on the proposals.

MDC response to criticism is here. Farmington River Watershed Association provides a compilation of media coverage here.


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