Environment Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Sen. Carlo Leone, 27^th Dist.

REASONS FOR BILL:

This legislation will require municipalities to put on their website what actions need to be taken when watershed levels fall below 20, 35, and 50 percent of watershed capacity. Individuals are often uncertain as to how to react, and what water usage restrictions are in place, during drought conditions when water supplies become catastrophically low. In 2016 many Connecticut counties were in a state of severe drought.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Raul Pino, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH): Provided comment on the bill. Based on DEEP's experience working with municipalities, local health directors and public water systems over the past year, municipalities and their water users may have difficulty achieving the bill requirements regarding reductions in water use. Additionally, Connecticut General Statutes Sections 25-32d and 25-33h includes drought and water conservation planning components. DPH has emergency order authority over public water systems during a drought, and the State Water Plan, which is currently being developed, will incorporate many water planning initiatives.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Louis W. Burch, Citizens Campaign for the Environment: Currently, the Department of Public Health may implement water restrictions only after the Governor's declaration of a statewide water supply emergency. This bill will give towns the authority to regulate and prioritize the taking of limited clean water supplies during periods of severe ecological strain on the state's water sources.

John Chunis, Rocky Hill, CT: Using the municipality internet website as a notification system may help because most people do not review the website, or don't have smartphones. The bill should be amended to utilize the town's emergency telephone notification system.

Carlo Leone, State Senator 27^th Dist.: It has been unclear that individuals and municipalities are aware of what and how to react when declines in water access occur. During last year's prolonged drought condition, the watershed in Stamford became so low that a new flexible pipeline was installed to pump water from a neighboring watershed. Although public services announcements by the Aquarion Water Company help to alleviate water demands, the drought was severe enough that water levels continued to fall.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

Kathryn Dube, Director of Membership & Legislative Services, Connecticut Council of Small Towns: The bill as drafted requires municipalities to specify on their website, specific measures or activities to achieve certain reductions in water use. However, the drought stages as outlined in the bill are not consistent with those utilized by the Connecticut Interagency Drought Advisory Group or individual water utilities. As such, these requirements cause confusion, and undermine effective drought management and response activities. Additionally, the bill includes language that language that bypasses water supply plans designed to address drought from water utilities, municipal water departments, and local ordinances.

Elizabeth Gara, Executive Director, Connecticut Water Works Association (CWWA): As drafted, the bill imposes rigid requirements and reductions that may not be appropriate or effective in responding to drought conditions, seeking up to fifty percent in reduction of usage. Drought management and response activities must be flexible to address the significant variability in the types of drought experienced in different regions of the state. Testimony also included information and comment on the following: (1) Drought Preparedness and Response Plan, (2) Water Utility Drought Management & Response, (3) Water Use Restrictions, and (4) Water Conservation Efforts.

Donna Hamzy, Advocacy Manager of Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM): This bill is an unfunded mandate requiring that municipalities post on their website, drought related water use reductions. CCM recommends amending the bill to require that municipalities place a link to the website of the local water company and state public health department. These websites are updated regularly with information relating to drought conditions.

Niagara Bottling, LLC: As drafted this bill raises the following concerns: (1) the bill permits individual municipalities who may not be knowledgeable in water management to override well-conceived water supply plans; (2) the bill is unclear as to who has the authority to declare a water use restriction, or drought advisory, watch, warning, or emergency; and (3) the bill will create inconsistent requirements and restrictions between towns, which could have burdensome effects on businesses.

Denise Savageau, Conservation Director, Town of Greenwich: Shared personal testimony of her role as the conservation director and of Greenwich's continuing water shortage. Greenwich had implemented a water supply ordinance beginning September 2016 due to water supply emergency. Savageau is concerned with this bill for the following reasons: (1) in reality, most towns don't have municipal restrictions; (2) concerns about the implementation of any reduction of water over twenty percent; (3) municipalities actually need a major focus on making water conservation as part of everyday life and recommends placing a surcharge on water bills to fund water conservation outreach efforts.