To the Editor:

I would like to update our Aquarion customers in Newtown on the status of restoration work at our Newtown wellfield, which sustained severe damage from the rainstorm and flooding on August 18th. We have been able to access our treatment facility on South Main Street, but flooding has not receded enough around our wells due to a substantial blockage in the river caused by the collapse of a railroad trestle.

Until the debris is completely removed by the Housatonic Railroad and the town, flooding may continue to worsen with additional precipitation. The town has been working to remove trees and debris from the river, but additional work is needed to remove the collapsed trestle and stone culvert, and to restore the river to its original footprint to ensure adequate separation from Aquarion wells. This cleanup is a top priority, and we are working closely with town, state and federal officials to complete this restoration project as quickly and safely as possible.

Once the water recedes, we can begin restoration work on our wells and treatment facility. Our rehabilitation efforts will include the replacement of all pumping, treatment, and monitoring equipment, as they were completely submerged in floodwaters.

Aquarion has been preparing and planning for significant storm events like the one we recently experienced. Upon acquiring our Newtown system more than 12 years ago, we identified the need to provide an additional source of water supply for the town and invested in infrastructure improvements to strengthen the system’s resiliency with the Eastern Fairfield County System interconnection. These investments have allowed our customers to continue water use during and after the storm, even with significant damage to our Newtown wellfield.

Additionally, to prepare for the storm and its potential impacts, we took the Newtown wellfield offline to prevent the possibility of flood water entering our distribution system. This ensured that our customers’ water would remain safe, regardless of damage to our facility. Once the debris removal work is complete and the floodwaters recede, we will promptly begin repairs to our facility.

We kindly ask that our customers continue to limit water use to essential needs until full water supply capacity is restored. We greatly appreciate your patience as we safely restore the Newtown wellfield supply.

If you have questions regarding this project or your water use, please contact our customer service center at 1-800-732-9678.

Donald Morrissey

President, Aquarion Water Company