Avery Heights Acquisition Completed
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2007
CLINTON, CONNECTICUT – March 15, 2007 – The
Connecticut Water Company has completed the acquisition
of the Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. (AHWA) of South
Windsor. Under the arrangement, AHWA retains ownership of
its land and well, while Connecticut Water takes ownership
of easements, rights of way, water mains, water service
extensions from the water main to curb valves, curb valves,
hydrants and shut off valves. The company mailed a letter
to the 216 Avery Heights residents on March 14 to notify
them that the transfer was completed.
Connecticut Water recently installed the water main extension
that was necessary to connect the AHWA to the company’s
Northern Region system and opened the interconnection between
the two on March 14. Crews are now flushing the system and
residents may temporarily see discolored water during this
process. Homeowners should run the cold water tap to help
clear any discolored water and are encouraged to avoid using
washing machines, dishwashers or other water using devices
during flushing operations. Multiple flushing will occur
over the next few months as warmer weather approaches.
The company also is immediately installing individual meters
so that customers only pay for the water they actually use.
The meter installation process is expected to occur over
an approximately 120-day period beginning this month and
ending in early July 2007.
In October 2006, AHWA members voted 119 to 8 to transfer
the ownership and operation of its water distribution system
and its customers to the Connecticut Water Company after
determining it lacked the ability to make the capital investments
required to improve their system, meet customers’
needs and maintain state health department compliance. The
Association also had been experiencing episodes of discolored
water.
"We look forward to serving the residents of Avery
Heights and providing them with access to our financial
resources and water industry professionals who are dedicated
to supplying them with high-quality water and service,”
said Eric W. Thornburg, Connecticut Water president and
CEO. “This acquisition fits well with our strategy
to assist small water systems who lack the resources to
make operational improvements and provide quality customer
service.”
The AHWA originally sought the approval of the transfer
agreement from Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC),
but the DPUC determined the AHWA did not constitute a water
‘company’ so its approval was not required.
Connecticut Water currently provides water service to 4,500
customers in South Windsor.
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Contact: Mary B. Ingarra, APR
Manager of Public Affairs
1-800-428-3985 x3014 / (860)-669-8630 x3014
mingarra@ctwater.com
