Connecticut Water to Acquire Assets of

Jensen Communities’ Water Systems in Killingworth and Mansfield

CLINTON, CONNECTICUT – February 16, 2010 – The Connecticut Water Company (CWC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (NASDAQ GS:CTWS), has purchased the water systems of Jensen Communities’ properties in Killingworth and Mansfield, Connecticut.  Under the arrangement, approximately 1,000 residents of the Jensen Communities would become CWC customers, and CWC will own, operate and maintain the water system infrastructure necessary to provide water service.

The Jensen Beechwood Community in Killingworth has 300 homes, while the Rolling Hills community in Mansfield has 200 residences.  Both properties are designated for people age 55 and over.  Connecticut Water currently serves over 88,000 customers or nearly 300,000 people in 54 communities in Connecticut, including customers in two small water systems in Mansfield.   

““We look forward to serving the residents of both communities and providing them with high-quality water and service,” said Eric W. Thornburg, Connecticut Water president and CEO.   “We are committed to addressing any water quality issues now and in the future.”  Connecticut Water has more than 225 employees, including highly qualified professional engineers, water treatment and distribution system operators and customer service representatives who will work to ensure the newly acquired customers receive safe, reliable drinking water and quality service.

CWC is already planning to address water quality issues that have affected Jensens’ Beechwood system in Killingworth. The Beechwood water system has exceeded the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for uranium, which can be naturally occurring in some water supplies.  Connecticut Water will evaluate treatment options, obtain regulatory approval and invest in the technology necessary to bring the Beechwood system into compliance with water quality standards.  The Rolling Hills water system is in compliance with drinking water regulations.

CWC has also reached an agreement to acquire the customers and assets of the Hawk’s Nest Beach Water Company (Hawks Nest) in Old Lyme, Connecticut for $300,000. In addition to serving 105 customers, or about 350 people, Hawks Nest has water supply resources that CWC can use to supplement its supply for existing customers in Old Lyme. The acquisition requires the approval of the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC). A decision by the DPUC is expected later this year.

These are the fourth and fifth acquisitions announced or completed by Connecticut Water since 2008. In January 2008, CWC added 6,600 people through the acquisition of the Eastern Operations of Birmingham Utilities, and in January 2009, the company added another 2,250 through the completed acquisition of the Ellington Acres Company.  In August 2009, Connecticut Water acquired the Legend Hills water system in Madison, provided treatment for uranium removal, and extended the system to serve two public schools.  When combined, these acquisitions have increased the number of people served by CWC by approximately 10,000.

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