Sustainable Solutions

To respond to community concerns during the planning of the Lake Whitney Water Treatment Plant, we hired a team of environmental scientists to conduct an environmental evaluation of the project’s potential impacts on areas upstream and downstream of the Lake Whitney dam, the waterfall and the site of the existing filtration plant. A report summarizing findings and recommendations was completed in January of 1999 and included recommendations for ongoing environmental monitoring and performance standards to mitigate potential impacts of future water withdrawals.

We operate the Whitney Water Treatment Plant in accordance with the Whitney Management Plan. It is a dynamic document that is sensitive to both water supply needs and environmental issues, and can be changed to reflect new information gained from experience in operating the plant and mitigation measures. We worked cooperatively with a multidisciplinary environmental study team and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop the plan.

In addition to the information regularly updated here, we discuss the current status of Management Plan implementation at our annual public meeting each February. We are fully committed to carrying out the obligations of the Management Plan and operating the Lake Whitney Water Treatment Plant in a manner that will mitigate any impacts resulting from plant operation upon associated environmental resources.

July 2022 Update

The Water Treatment Plant continues to operate in accordance with the Management Plan. Click here for updated information on lake levels, spillway flows and water withdrawals.

Water flows over the Lake Whitney spillway have diminished due to dry conditions. In accordance with the Whitney Water Treatment Plant Management Plan, a release is being made through the Lake Whitney dam to sustain downstream flows that support aquatic life in the lower Mill River. This release will continue until sustained flows over the dam’s spillway resume.