CWC to Operate & Manage UConn's
Systems
Date: Thursday, August 03, 2006
STORRS, CT, August 3, 2006 - Connecticut Water Service
Inc.’s (NASDAQ: CTWS) subsidiary, New England Water
Utility Services, was recently selected through a competitive
bidding process by the University of Connecticut to provide
for the total operation, management and maintenance of the
University’s water systems at the Storrs and Depot
Campuses. The University’s evaluation team determined
that Connecticut Water’s technical proposal best met
the requirements for the operation, maintenance and management
of the University’s water systems. Connecticut Water
and the University have signed an Operating Agreement for
a two-year term with an option to extend it for two additional
one-year terms. If extended for both additional terms, the
value of the total agreement will exceed $1.75 million.
In addition, Connecticut Water anticipates that it will
be able to assist the University in providing needed capital
improvements to the water systems during the term of the
agreement. Connecticut
Water has been providing operating services to the University’s
water systems on an interim basis since November 2005.
The new Operating Agreement provides for the continued
use of an experienced senior operations manager who provides
for the direct management and operations of the University’s
water systems. It also calls for Connecticut Water to provide
a certified water treatment plant operator to perform daily
operations and water quality sampling and other water system
duties such as cross connection inspections, system flushing,
regulatory reporting and system improvement planning.
Eric W. Thornburg, president and CEO of Connecticut Water,
said the company is honored that the University chose Connecticut
Water to partner with and manage the University’s
water systems. “We recognize that water is a precious
resource and we pledge to dedicate our staff and expertise
to address the current and future needs of the University,”
said Thornburg. “We have demonstrated our commitment
to provide high-quality service to UConn under the interim
services agreement, and look forward to continuing to work
to meet the University’s needs in the long term.”
“Connecticut Water submitted a superior proposal
from the perspective of both service and pricing,”
said Thomas Callahan, interim associate vice president for
administration and operational services and special assistant
to UConn President Philip Austin. “NEWUS has met our
expectations and we expect that they will continue to do
so through the duration of this contract.”
Connecticut Water has conducted a full review of the University’s
water system, including operations and customer service
practices, tested production meters for accuracy and made
recommendations on capital improvement and major maintenance
projects. The Company has also conducted a leak detection
survey of the water systems to locate sources of lost water
to minimize unnecessary demands on the University’s
water supply sources.
New England Water Utility Services operates water and wastewater
systems under contract for condominiums, schools, and municipalities,
such as the towns of Durham, and New Hartford, Connecticut.
It also provides specialized services such as leak detection,
water quality monitoring, and cross connection inspections
to various municipal, commercial and industrial clients
throughout the State, as well as a water service line repair
program for residential and commercial customers.
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Contacts:
Mary B. Ingarra, Connecticut Water -- 800-428-3985 Ext.
3014
Richard Veilleux, UConn -- 860-486-3530
