Tag Archives: Aquarion

1st Selectman’s Race Heads “Home”

Posted on October 30, 2017 | 31 comments

Tip O’Neill said that all politics is local. On North Avenue, it doesn’t get more local than water tanks in your neighborhood.

In what may be the only time this year the Democratic and Republican candidates for 1st selectman speak in the same home on the same day — though not together — Melissa Kane and Jim Marpe meet tonight with residents concerned about the planned expansion of Aquarion’s water towers.

The events take place at 66 North Avenue — opposite the Aquarion site.

Last month, Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the 3- to 5-year-construction project. Located directly across from Staples High School, it will more than triple the current water capabilities. Two new 40-foot tanks will replace the one current 12-foot tank.

Aquarion cites fire safety and increased daily usage as reasons for the new tanks. The fire department supports the proposal.

Over 200 residents have signed a petition opposing the project, and a legal challenge is underway.

A photo shows the height of the proposed new water tanks. Since the photo was taken, taller trees have replaced those in the photo.

31 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local politics

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Water, Water — Not Everywhere

Posted on December 6, 2016 | 9 comments

Despite recent rains, Connecticut remains mired in a drought.

A long, serious drought.

It has not gotten much attention. But it’s here. And it’s real.

Aquarion has asked customers to reduce water consumption by 20 percent. That’s a lot.

It’s also 5 percent more than Governor Malloy requested, just a month ago.

Aquarion says that from Greenwich to Bridgeport, its reservoirs are between 15 and 60 percent of capacity. The company is building temporary pipelines to balance supply among reservoirs. But more action is needed.

As wells run dry — among other effects — all residents are asked to take shorter showers, shut off water while brushing teeth, and do fewer loads of laundry.

Click here for information on stream flow, groundwater and related issues.

Click here for a “drought monitor” website.

And start hoping for a very snowy winter.

One solution to the drought.

One solution to the drought.

9 Comments

Posted in Environment, Weather

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Oh My 06880 — Photo Challenge #77

Posted on June 19, 2016 | 6 comments

Bob Weingarten has driven up and down North Avenue for over 10 years. But until recently — when Aquarion started work on the water tanks opposite Staples High School — he’d never noticed them. To be fair, they’re hidden behind tall evergreens.

But Rebecca Wolin, Edward Bloch, Matt Murray, Carl Volckmann, Jane Sherman and Susan Huppi sure did. That’s how they nailed last week’s photo challenge.

The question remains, though: What exactly do those tanks do? If you know, click “Comments” below. (Click here for last week’s photo challenge, and all the guesses.)

Lynn U. Miller provides this week’s challenge. If you think you’ve seen this image, click “Comments.” HINT: It’s somewhere in Westport — not Amsterdam.

Oh My 06880 - June 19, 2016

(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

6 Comments

Posted in Photo Challenge

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The Age Of Aquarion

Posted on March 21, 2013 | 4 comments

That cute little Aquarion pumping station on Weston Road — just north of Lyons Plains Road — looks a lot less rustic these days.

Actually, these months.

Since the fall, work has proceeded in fits and starts on what was once a nicely landscaped building, nestled along the Aspetuck River. For a while now, it’s been wrapped in Tyvek.

And a gray fence with hay — plus a nearby port-a-potty — sure doesn’t do much to protect the homeowner next door.

Weston Road, Westport

Aquarion property, Weston Road

(Photos by Jo Shields)

(Photos by Jo Shields)

 

4 Comments

Posted in Local business, Places

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Sewer Bills Stink

Posted on September 5, 2010 | 32 comments

“06880” reader John McCarthy posted a simple status update on Facebook:

Hearing some very disturbing things about huge increases in sewer fees in Westport, CT.  Smelly business.

His friends quickly joined the fray.

“Probably based on water usage instead of a flat fee,” said Board of Finance member Charles W.K. Haberstroh.  “Large increases will hurt certain businesses, like YMCA, restaurants, gyms, large families.  Don’t know if there is a phase-in process.  Haven’t heard, do you know?”

It does not seem usage-based, McCarthy replied.  He cited someone married — with no kids — who faced a 28% increase.

McCarthy’s own family of 4 — “with no abnormal water usage” — saw its bill rise from $382 to $633.96, a 66% increase.  “All that was supposed to happen,” he said, “was a re-allocation based on usage.”

Matthew Mandell — like McCarthy, an RTM member — posted that at the previous night’s meeting, “we heard the dope on this.  Fees would have gone to $450 across the board.  Debt service is part of the increase.

“Fee from now on will be based on water usage instead of one flat fee for all.  Aquarion is providing the water numbers.  So the more you shower, do clothes, do dishes and flush the more you pay to sewer it.  Bigger houses and families more, empty nesters and small houses less.”

Jimmy Izzo’s bill went from $285 to $685.  He wondered if the sewer bill is “a hidden way of paying pensions and other shortfalls.”

McCarthy responded with this info:  “Usage charges are budgeted to increase 12% this year ($3.13 to $3.41 million).”

He cited 4 examples he’s heard, of increases ranging from 30% to 140%.  “How do these increases average out to 12%” across the board, he asked.

“Individual usage varies a lot,” noted Haberstroh.  Pools and/or lawn sprinkler systems will cause a “geometric” sewer bill increase.

McCarthy countered quickly:  “Charlie, the rates were set based on the last Dec-May bills in order to exclude the impact of pools and lawn watering.”

The debate — and questions — continue.  “06880” readers are invited to weigh in.  Hold your noses — but don’t hold back.

32 Comments

Posted in Local politics, People

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Gone Fishin’

Posted on April 25, 2009 | Comments Off on Gone Fishin’

Losing a job is catastrophic and traumatic.  But, some out-of-work Westporters report, there are a couple of surprising upsides, like  spending more time with family, and the opportunity to make a previously-impossible career or lifestyle switch.

Add one more:  free fishing.

Aquarion — our local water company — is offering no-fee permits to anyone who has lost a job.  Fishing on the shores of 3 reservoirs — including Saugatuck in Weston — is usually $25.

“Looking for work can be a tough, full-time job, especially now,” said Aquarion CEO Charles V. Firlotte.  “We’d like to make it a little easier for people to relax after a day of pounding the pavement to find a new job.”

It sounds like an April Fool’s joke.  It isn’t.  It’s a human response to hard times by a huge, often faceless utility.

And there’s nothing fishy about that.

(Free permits will be given out on Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Aquarion Environmental Center, 714 Black Rock Road, Easton.  For more information, call 203-452-3511.)

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Posted in Economy

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