Connecticut Water Service Inc. announced that its subsidiary, New England Water Utility Services, has reached an agreement with the University of Connecticut to provide an on-site project manager to direct the day-to-day operation and management of the school's water systems at the Storrs campus.
The project manager assigned to the University will be able to draw upon the experienced personnel and resources of Connecticut Water, which owns and operates three public water utilities in the state - the Connecticut Water Company, Crystal Water Company of Danielson, and Unionville Water Company in Farmington.
"Signing the contract with Connecticut Water Services is an important step to enhance the professional management of the University of Connecticut's water systems," said Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith, vice president and CEO. "We are following the route mapped out by the University and the state Department of Public Health, which has provided us with excellent advice and technical assistance in developing the scope of the contract with Connecticut Water Services."
Connecticut Water Services has been providing a certified treatment plant operator to oversee the University's treatment facility for the past year and has performed cross connection inspections and tested and installed back flow devices at the Storrs campus over the past two years.
Marshall T. Chiaraluce, chairman and president of Connecticut Water, said the Company is pleased that the University chose Connecticut Water to oversee and manage the school's water systems.
"We look forward to a partnership with the University to operate the school's water systems and to ensure the water systems are in full compliance with state and federal regulations," said Chiaraluce. "Connecticut Water has every intention of seeking a long-term operating contract for the University's water systems when that goes out to bid."
The current agreement calls for Connecticut Water to conduct a full review of the University's water system, including operations and customer service practices, and to make recommendations on capital improvement and major maintenance projects. The Company will also conduct a leak detection survey of the water systems in order to locate sources of lost water to minimize unnecessary demands on the University's water supply sources.
Source: Connecticut Water Services, Inc.
