Annual Report 2006-07

Face of Nature: Sustainable Solutions

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The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority has a long history of caring for natural environments. Now after more than 25 years, we are more aware than ever that our operation—how we do business—influences the quality of and commitment to those natural environments. From the preservation of land, to watershed inspections, to providing 55 million gallons of water per day, we are dedicated to being a responsible corporate citizen and leader.

Water is a key element for a prosperous, healthy community. It’s a symbol of our region’s bounty and something that citizens are entitled to. Providing clean water to the homes and businesses that depend upon us every day is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Our mission at the Authority is to provide a reliable supply of high-quality water at a reasonable cost today and for future generations while promoting the preservation of watershed land and aquifers. We provide water to some 400,000 consumers. We own and protect more than 25,000 acres of land and have 50-plus miles of recreation trails spanning 10 towns in Greater New Haven.

With a workforce of nearly 300 people, there is a broad range of disciplines. We employ engineers, planners, scientists, teachers, foresters, police, construction and water treatment professionals. With such diversity, we have opportunities—every day—to redesign how our systems are created and operated. By changing the way we think about planning, design and operation, we can change the environmental, social and economic “foot prints” we make in our region.

To us, sustainability is intertwined with economic development and the provision of water. It is also a framework and approach that adds value, keeps citizens in mind and creates benefits for the region and the environment. Practically speaking, we have no choice. To fulfill our mission, we need water and the environment.

Our efforts have included the construction of the Whitney Treatment Plant—a model of sustainable architecture. Its 30,000-square-foot grass roof incorporates bubbles that flood the facility with daylight and geothermal technology that environmentally heats and cools the building. There is also a series of gardens that filter and store storm water to prevent run-off to neighboring sites. This structure features an eco-friendly mode of design.

In addition to the installation of over 85 ground source heat pumps at the treatment facility, we participate in the ISO New England’s “30-Minute Real Time Demand Response Program.” When the ISO New England calls a power emergency in the summertime—when water and air-conditioning use are in peak demand—we come off the electric power grid and switch over to operating the treatment and pumping facilities with generator power. By making this change, we help maintain power reliability in the region.

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