Waterlines: Fall-Winter 2006

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Opie’s World: Tap Into Nature

The Regional Water Authority’s recreation program has a new feature to help families to enjoy the many recreational resources and outdoor activities offered by the Authority. It’s called Opie’s World and the Authority hopes it will provide the incentive for children and parents to reconnect with the outdoors.

For nearly 25 years, the Authority’s recreational program, which spans 10 towns in Greater New Haven, has long offered the best water views and four seasons of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet for many, especially children, it is a hidden treasure waiting for discovery.

Through Opie’s World, parents and children can escape and explore nature’s wonders yet still be home in time for dinner. Opie’s World is a 27-page outdoor activity book for children and their parents. Opie is a cartoon possum who guides children and parents through the four seasons of activities. Children who complete six out of 10 activities in the book will receive a certificate and a special patch from the Authority.

Initiatives like Opie are encouraged by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Earlier in the year, the DEP started “No Child Left Inside,” to encourage young people to develop an appreciation for the state’s forests, rivers, beaches and wildlife.

The workbook, Opie’s World, is free for Regional Water Authority permit holders. To purchase a permit, call the Authority at 401-2654, or go online at www.rwater.com. Mention “Opie” and receive $5.00 off a family permit and reserve a copy of the workbook.

Got A Pass? Permit Holders Share Why You Should

Barrie Collins doesn’t mince words when she describes why she has kept a Regional Water Authority recreation permit for close to 25 years.

“I wouldn’t be without a pass. There are very few unspoiled places in overdeveloped southern Connecticut,” she said. “Where else can you go 10 to 15 minutes from home, get away from noise, and be in a place that is wilderness? It’s naturalistic. And the water views can’t be beat.”

Through its recreation program, the Authority offers people the opportunity to drink up the rich images of the great outdoors. With eight recreation areas spanning 10 towns in Greater New Haven, there is something for everyone. “It’s always changing; never in four seasons will you see the same scene,” said Barrie.

The nearly 60 miles of trails to choose from certainly offer a great variety. There are easy, short, flat trails like the Pine Trail at Genesee, or more challenging ones like the ridge at Northford’s Big Gulph. “Most of the trails permit you to go in a circle, so there’s no need to double back or retrace steps,” explains Barrie, who is excited by the diversity of flowers at Lake Bethany, “There must be 15 varieties.” Others like the program because they can run the trails or fish some 17 miles of streams and rivers.

For James Doris, who likes to be in the woods and has kept a permit for just over 10 years, the three-mile trail at Maltby is a favorite for running. “You can get a good run at Lake Bethany too,” he said.

Deer, turkeys, butterflies and bunnies bedeck the trails and winding dirt service roads. Turtles and salamanders soak up the sun on the rocks along the waters edge. A great horned owl perches high up in the trees at Maltby. In conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, James volunteers to conduct the hawk surveys. Several times a year, he heads to the Lake Chamberlain recreation area with a recorded owl call, where he will sit, listen and look for birds of prey like falcons and hawks. “I’ve seen red-tail hawks, northern goshawks and Cooper’s hawks over the last two years,” said James.

The recreation program presents the “signs of nature as she is meant to be,” said Barrie.

Avoid Frozen Pipes and Meters

Don’t turn the heat down too low in your basement.
If a building will be empty, have the water turned off, the pipes drained and the water meter removed.
Fill holes in doors, windows and walls near meters and pipes.
Be sure heat can circulate around meters and pipes.
Regularly check insulation for dampness. Wet insulation is worse than no insulation.
Be sure meter vault covers are closed and in good shape. If the meter is outside of the building, be sure the meter cover is secure and not cracked

Sewer Line Protection

RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE AND CONVENIENT – A ONE-CALL RESCUE

“With one phone call to RWA my problem was resolved in a timely manner. Called at 4 p.m. and the service contractor was at my house by 6 p.m. Without this program, I probably would have waited to get service. The cost would have been much more than the protection program. The peace of mind is well worth it. Thank you for offering such a program to homeowners.” Paula Giordano of West Haven wrote these words in a survey recounting her decision to sign up for PipeSafe Plus Sewer Line Protection.

Branford customer Jonathan Potrepka said, “It’s so nice not to have to worry about the pipes, everything was done by the book. Fantastic value.”

Another customer, Rene Finch of West Haven explained her reason for signing up for PipeSafe Plus this way: “With today’s economy, this program gives me peace of mind over a major ‘maybe’ problem.” And Scott Warzecha of Hamden said, “As a new homeowner having extra cash on hand is a problem. Thanks to PipeSafe Plus, I didn’t have to pay for the work.”

These are just some of the thousands of Water Authority customers who benefit from our new sewer line program started in 2005. What is PipeSafe Plus? It’s the service plan that protects the sewer line – the one that carries household waste from your home out to the city sewer main in the street. Many conditions may cause a sewer line to become obstructed. Having PipeSafe Plus means it gets fixed quickly.

If you would like more information or want to sign up for PipeSafe Plus Sewer Line Protection call us at 866-814-0820.

Annual Report 2005-06

Our 2005-06 Annual Report is a nod to you, our customers. The report opens with letters from customers who express appreciation for the service we offer each and every day to Greater New Haven. Those letters, along with profiles in the book, remind us that service is what counts for you, and that our company’s reputation is built on strong, positive relationships with you, our customer. They are the center of our success. If you would like a copy of Connecting with Customers, our 2005-06 Annual Report, please call 562-4020 or send an email to ask.info@rwater.com to request your copy.

Our Mission, Vision and Our Values

Our Mission:

Provide a reliable supply of high quality water at a reasonable cost for today and future generations while promoting the preservation of watershed land and aquifers.

Our Vision:

Will be nationally recognized as a premier provider of water and related services and products throughout the region.

Our Values:
Prompt, courteous, service
Respect for our employees
Honesty and integrity
Safety
Innovation and efficiency
Diversity
Recreational and educational opportunities

Watershed Fund Scholarships

Pictured with Watershed Fund President Claire Bennitt (second row left) are some of the 17 students from our region who received academic scholarships from the Watershed Fund. In total, $22,000 in scholarships went to the students who are all pursuing studies in environmental sciences.

Each year, a golf tournament is organized to raise money for scholarships. If you are interested in getting information about next year’s golf tournament, please send an email to: info@thewatershedfund.org

You can also consider supporting the Watershed Fund with a contribution when you pay your water bill. Look for the check-off box on the top of the bill. All contributions are tax deductible.