Operators from MDC, Aquarion, and Sharon Water Authorities recognized

Hartford – In celebration of Connecticut Drinking Water Week, the Department of Public Health (DPH) Drinking Water Section is recognizing Connecticut water operators for their outstanding contributions to the health and safety of the state’s drinking water.

Raymond E. Baral, Assistant Manager of Water Treatment for The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), received the 2015 Educational Public Health Drinking Water Merit Award.  DPH is also recognizing Christopher Kushwara, Senior Chief Operator for the Aquarion Water company with the 2015 Operator Public Health Drinking Water Merit Award, and the Town of Sharon Water and Sewer Authority with the 2015 Small Community Public Health Drinking Water Merit Award.

“Connecticut is home to superior drinking water quality, largely due to a robust infrastructure and committed water professionals who monitor and protect water quality and safety,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “During Drinking Water Week, we take time to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives as well as some of Connecticut’s outstanding public drinking water systems and professionals who exemplify Connecticut’s high standards for water quality and adequacy.” 

In recognition of National Drinking Water Week, Governor Dannel P. Malloy has proclaimed May 3 through 9 Connecticut Drinking Water Week, encouraging residents to recognize drinking water as a precious public health resource and to help protect our source waters from pollution, to practice water conservation, and to become involved in regional and local drinking water issues.

The DPH Drinking Water Section is responsible for the administration of state and federal drinking water regulations and is dedicated to assuring the quality and adequacy of the state’s public drinking water sources. DPH provides technical assistance, education and regulatory enforcement to over 2,500 public drinking water systems, which provide drinking water to approximately 2.9 million Connecticut residents and visitors on a daily basis.

Approximately 75 percent of Connecticut’s residents are served by public drinking water systems. The remainder of the population is supplied by private wells. Most private wells are typically only tested when they are newly constructed or during real estate transactions. DPH recommends that private well owners test their well annually for basic indicators such as bacteria, chemicals, and other potential contaminates, to make sure their drinking water is safe.

“Safe and adequate drinking water is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Mullen. “Drinking water comes from a variety of sources including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. It is important to know where drinking water comes from, how it’s been treated, and if it's safe to drink.”

For more information about public water systems and drinking water, please visit www.ct.gov/dph/publicdrinkingwater.

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