Connecticut Water replaces nearly 18 miles of water main in 2024

CLINTON, Conn., Jan. 6, 2025 — In 2024, Connecticut Water proactively replaced more than 93,500 feet of water main through the Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment (WICA) program as part of ongoing efforts to increase reliability and quality for our customers.  

The company installed about 18 miles of water main through 22 projects across 18 towns in 2024 at a cost of about $44.5 million. Some of the pipes replaced were more than 120 years old. Crews on a project in Killingly removed a pipe with a date of 1905 on it.  Many water main projects also include replacing fire hydrants for fire protection needs. 

“Water main investment represents a critical aspect of our mission to deliver reliable service and high-quality water to our customers,” said David Peeling, P.E., vice president of Engineering at Connecticut Water. “Proactively replacing old water mains allows us to continue meeting the reliable service expectations of customers, now and for generations to come.” 

Connecticut Water maintains an Infrastructure Management Plan for the nearly 1,800 miles of water main in the distribution system. Water experts track the age and condition of water pipes, the frequency of main breaks, leakage and lost water, and the fire protection needs of the community in determining what water mains to replace.

Company officials also consider the timing of municipal projects (like road paving) to see if there are opportunities for cost savings and commuter convenience by coordinating work with other projects.

Replacing aging or under-sized water mains before they become a problem means the company’s water professionals can complete the work under more controlled conditions and also allows better planning for service needs rather than making costly repairs in an emergency situation.

Projects of note include the completion of the replacement of the entire Beechwood distribution system in Killingworth and the completion of all phases of replacement in downtown Naugatuck in conjunction with the Borough’s redevelopment project along Church Street, Elm Street, Water Street and Rubber Avenue. More than 10,000 feet of water main replaced in Guilford along Whitfield and Old Whitfield streets will increase water flow and improve system reliability. 

Connecticut Water’s goal is to replace about one percent of the total water main every year through the WICA program. WICA is an interim rate adjustment that covers the costs of replacing existing water system infrastructure. These small, semi-annual adjustments improve service to customers by proactively replacing aging infrastructure and levels-out the impact on customer rates.