To make sure that water remains available to town supplied residents, daily
maintenance checks are required. Added responsibilities include meter
reading, meter installation, flushing of pipes, repair of hydrants, repair of
leaks, servicing chlorination and pumping equipment, installation of water
services to new homes and businesses, cross connection inspections, and leak
detection.
The Water Division continues its program to install remote type water meters
for all customers. Leak detection and repairs have helped to minimize
unaccounted water within the system. In the last few years, improvements
were made to the system with new water mains on Brownstone Ave and
Spring Street.
Future projects include:
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Installation of SCADA system to help track flow and possible issues
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Installation of remote water meters for all customers
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Continue leak detection and repairs
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Reservoir dam spillway improvements
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Continue storage tank maintenance and painting at the Chlorination Building & High Street
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Water main replacement on Perry Avenue, Russell Ave, Hilltop Drive
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Possible implementation of a new water source & infrastructure with a new Groundwater Well north of the Portland Recreation Complex on RT 17
Let's Not Take It for Granted...
Connecticut is fortunate to have water supplies of high quality and sufficient quantity to meet the needs of consumers throughout the state. This is not strictly a matter of geography - it is the result of effective regulations by town and federal agencies, careful planning and operations by water utilities, and responsible use by consumers.
The Portland Water Division has an obligation to provide sufficient quantities of high quality drinking water at a reasonable cost to consumers. As such, your utility takes a strong leadership role to ensure its water supplies are protected and its drinking water isn't wasted. We are calling on our consumers to do their part as well - to follow some simple guidelines to protect the quality of your drinking water and ensure that it is not wasted.
Drinking Water Quality: The Source Protection Connection...
Source water protection is an important tool for maintaining and managing our drinking water resources. Preventing pollutants from entering reservoirs and underground aquifers is the focal point of water supply source protection. Connecticut has been taking action to minimize the threat to our drinking water supply from cryptosporidium and other contaminants by providing protection of public water supplies at the source. In 1996, a legislative task force of public health and water supply experts concluded that the risk to Connecticut's consumers from disease causing organisms, including cryptosporidium, in drinking water is greatly reduced because of a strong commitment to source water protection.
How Does Connecticut Law Protect Drinking Water?
Connecticut is one of only two states that prohibits discharge of potential disease carrying waste waters into public drinking water supply sources.
Mandatory filtration and disinfection of all surface water supplies.
Land areas (watersheds) that drain into public water sources must be inspected annually for sources for pollution.
State and local regulations govern land use and development on watershed lands.
Strict regulations govern the sale and use of water company owned land which are critical to the protection of public water supply resources.
The Aquifer Protection Act requires regulation of land use in critical areas around public drinking water supply wells.
Operator certification is required for water treatment facility personnal to ensure the effective operation of water treatment facilities.
You Can Help to Protect Connecticut's Public Water Supplies...
Don't Dump! Dispose of trash, waste motor oil, and household hazardous wastes properly. Check with your city or town hall or water company about proper disposal of these wastes.
Use pesticides and fertilizers wisely! Follow the directions, apply only what's needed, and don't over use. When in doubt - consult an expert!
Report any polluting activities! If you see illegal dumping, waste discharges, chemical spills, etc. please report them immediately to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (860.424.3338), the local police (860.342.6780), health department (860.342.6718), or the water company (860.342.6735).
Use and maintain your septic system properly! Don't pour fats, grease, oils, or harmful chemicals down the drain—they can interfere with the septic tank function and may cause groundwater pollution. Have the septic tank inspected and cleaned every 2 to 3 years.
