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Regional Water Authority Invites The Public To Discuss The Whitney Dam Rehabilitation
Apr 21, 2022NEW HAVEN, CT – The Regional Water Authority (RWA) invites all members of the public interested in the rehabilitation of the historic Whitney Dam in Hamden to two community meetings scheduled in May 2022. These meetings are intended to give the public a voice in the process while the RWA is currently in the planning and design phases. These meetings will be the first in a series planned over the duration of the project for the next four years.
Built in 1861, the Lake Whitney Dam is over 160 years old. While the RWA performs regular maintenance, the dam’s original structural aspects remain largely unchanged. The dam is a vital, operational part of the RWA’s drinking water and fire protection infrastructure.
With many citizens in the region passionate about the dam, lake, and the surrounding watershed, the goal of the RWA is to understand the community’s perspectives for on the project. The RWA believes that public participation will help ensure a robust feedback process so that upgrades to the dam will meet evolving regulatory needs and address climate concerns.
The RWAs three major goals targeted during the rehabilitation process include the following:
1. Enhance the stability of the dam
2. Increase the dam’s spillway capacity
3. Control water seepage
The planning and design phases are ongoing into early 2023, with construction and final completion of the project anticipated for 2026.
The RWA will hold these community meetings in person on Thursday, May 5, 10 am -11 am, and virtually on May 10, 6 pm -7 pm. To RSVP, email WhitneyDam@rwater.com or contact us at 203-401-2738.
About the Regional Water Authority
Trusted since 1849, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a nonprofit water utility and environmental services corporation that makes life better for people by providing high-quality water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven. As a conscious business, the RWA acts as a responsible steward of the environment by protecting the more than 27,000 acres of watershed land it owns and promoting sustainable practices. Our employees work toward our vision of being an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens communities, and protects natural resources for future generations. For more information on the RWA, please visit rwater.com.
