Supplying Water for Southeastern Connecticut's Future
While U.S. Census data indicates that the population of the State of Connecticut as a whole is decreasing, in the past decade portions of Southeastern Connecticut have experienced considerable economic and population growth. In particular, the Town of Montville exhibited high growth rates as a result of the development surrounding the Mohegan Sun Casino. The Town had grown so much, in fact, that they were facing the very real challenge of not having enough water to serve their current populations, let alone their projected future water needs.
Finding a reliable source
To deal with the mounting issue, the Mohegan Tribal Utility Authority (MTUA) helped unite a consortium of surrounding Towns to explore water supply alternatives to supplement the traditional supply from the Town of Norwich. Together the consortium determined that Groton Utilities, which had more water than its current and projected requirements, would be the best water source. However, due to the location of the Thames River between Groton and Montville, delivery of the water to the towns in need was complicated. The consortium brought in GeoInsight and others to gather engineering data to help determine the most cost‑effective and environmentally sound way to connect to the water supply, as well as to obtain the necessary permits from regulatory authorities for the project to take place.
Feeding the future
Using engineering data to guide their decision, the consortium funded $12 million of interconnected, buried pipe to deliver water throughout the region. Based upon GeoInsight's recommendation, the consortium decided to employ innovative Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) techniques to cross under the Thames River from Ledyard to Montville as a less costly solution to crossing the river. Installation of 1,400 feet of high-density polyethylene pipe beneath the river provided the most efficient connection with existing water supply infrastructure. After years of working with regulators, managing discussions with the towns involved, and ensuring that the project was properly implemented, the major construction phase of the project was completed, and water flowed through the new pipes from Groton. The addition of this new water supply, which should be ample for decades, now allows Connecticut's Thames Region to continue its growth and expansion, fueling the long-term prosperity of the community.
From possibilities to performance
"From the beginning of our relationship with them, GeoInsight was always focused on the main goal. They were straight-up and candid, and their practical, knowledgeable advice gave us considerable confidence through this complicated and sensitive, high-profile project. I'd recommend these guys all day long."
- Chris Clark, Senior Project Manager, Mohegan Tribal Utility Authority
"GeoInsight's made up of good listeners that give good advice. They know what regulatory agencies need ... so they can find realistic answers with none of the window dressing."
- Al Dion, General Manager, Groton Utilities