Fairfield is in a region of relative water abundance, but we’ve always had droughts as well as flooding. Climate scientists project that future episodes of drought and flooding are likely to intensify. In addition, climate change, increasing population, and commercial development put pressure on our water supply. Each day, the Aquarion Water Company provides about 9 million gallons of drinking water from several watershed areas for commercial and residential use. Aquarion maintains about 300 miles of water mains in Fairfield; the oldest mains are about 80 years old.
Achievements to Date
- In December 2021, the Town reached an agreement with the Aquarion Water Company in conjunction with state agencies and local environmental groups to permit the diversion of an additional 7.2 million gallons/day from the Greater Bridgeport System to a region serving southwest Fairfield County.
- In 2022, Fairfield was added to the list of towns that Aquarion, in conjunction with state and local officials, developed for a mandatory, twice-weekly irrigation schedule where outdoor water usage is especially high
- Reliable supply of clean water for homes and businesses
- Water is monitored for general quality
- Water is monitored for already regulated and emerging contaminants such as PFAS
- Watershed protection through partnership with the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Aquarion, and the Nature Conservancy
- As part of the above-mentioned diversion permit, Aquarion will provide funding to maintain a water gauge on the Mill River to ensure sufficient flow to fully support adequate aquatic life and fish habitats.
Challenges Ahead
- Ensuring that water supply and quality keeps pace with residential, municipal, and commercial development, especially in view of the recent diversion permit.
- Ensuring reliable water delivery infrastructure, ex., replacing aging water mains
- Ensuring proactive response to drought conditions
Benefits of Mindfully Managing Our Water Supply and Use
- Stable water supply costs
- Using less energy to make hot water
- Lowering operating costs of wastewater treatment facility, thereby lowering taxes
- Creating a cushion against drought conditions
- Protecting our health and safety by protecting the quality of our water
- Stewardship of a precious and finite natural resource
2030 Plan Goals
- Reduce Town per capita water use by 10%
- Develop a Town drought ordinance
- Maintain an effective fire prevention program
- Ensure an ongoing water main replacement program
- Support the current watershed management partnership
- Ensure that the regulated and emerging contaminants are adequately monitored
How Do We Reach Our Goals?
- Residential and commercial conservation measures, e.g., low-flow toilets, showers, and sinks; fixing leaks; rain barrels; other conservation measures (see links below)
- “Xeriscaping” (water-efficient landscaping) – implement organic landscaping to build up soil structure for better water retention and less watering; use of native plants that require only rainwater
- Adherence to a twice-weekly irrigation schedule
- Implement and maintain comprehensive standards for graywater separation and use