Connecticut Water Meeting Notes

July 25, 2024

 The purpose of this meeting was to answer Beechwood resident questions/issues in the aftermath of new water pipe installation.  There was an overflow of residents, 5 - 6 CT Water representatives (one from billing), a representative from Sun and Kimberly.

1.      The first section of pipe replacement & hydroseeded grass looks great.  The second section looks terrible.  Most of the second section hydroseeding & watering was done during high temperatures.  Also the hydroseeding was done after new meters were turned on and feels those involved were charged unfairly.  Answer:  Will revisit those houses involved in late September.

 2.     Charged unfairly for 10,000 gallons of water for grass that was ruined by mistake.  Answer:  Although resident was credited after a call to customer service, they will take info back to office.

 3.     When were meters installed?  Answer: Meters were installed during construction.  They are placed under the water plate with white circular top.

 4.     We heard different stories of when meters were turned on so communication was inconsistent.  Answer: Good feedback for future.

 5.     Do we call CT Water to shut off water?  Answer: No, there’s a shut off under the house.  As the resident is wheelchair bound, Sun will look into it.  If water connection was changed, the sticker indicating shut off should have been in new area outside skirt/house.

6.     How are meters read?  Answer: Drive by monthly.

7.     New pipe is higher in the ground.  Will it freeze?  Answer: No, it’s insulated.

 8.     How’re we billed?  Answer:  You’re billed by thousand gallon usage rounding down.  For example, if you used 1,500 gallons you would be rounded down to 1,000 gallons and the 500 would be on next bill.

9.     If I had to turn off water, do I call CT Water?  Answer: No, there’s a turn off under the house behind skirting.  As skirting is very tight, Sun will visit the house.

10.  I have hot water when I first turn it on.  Answer:  CT Water will look into it.

11.  Another resident has same issue.  Answer: some pipes were changed from back to front & could cause this.  However, CT Water will look into it.

12.  What kind of filtering system is there for quality of water?  Answer: CT Water follows EPA standards including Fluorine, a disinfectant, which kills bacteria.  Chlorine will be added at end of year as needed.  If you smell it, put into a container, refrigerate overnight & smell will be gone.

13.  Can meters be read wrong?  Answer: Each device has a unique characteristic & number, so no mistakes.  It will also detect a large amount of gallons being used & will contact that resident.

 14.  I was charged for 7,000 gallons.  Answer:  Will be contacted by CT Water after meeting.  Kimberly noted the culprit might be the lateral line, which is Sun’s responsibility.

15.  Meter readings are marked as #6 & #3?  Answer: It was explained when you see.00006 (#6) - .00003 (#3) divide by 30 days = 3000 gallons.  CT Water Rep noted new billing starting in August has been redesigned & will be easier to read.  An average customer uses 75/gallons a day. 

 16.  Who’s responsible for water line leaks?  Answer: CT Water is &, if meter shows overage, CT Water will investigate.  Sun owns the area from meter to crock. 

17.  The flow & temperature of water changed in kitchen sink & shower.  Answer: It was suggested we check outside hose connections and toilets for leaks.

 18.  Why were some properties dug up different than others?  Answers: Plumbing had to be rearranged in some cases.

19.  Why are there different daily service charges?  Answer:  All should be the same, 44cents/day with same meters.

 20.  How & when testing of water?  Answer: CT Water website has their parameters of testing.

 21.  My kitchen water smells like dirt?  Answer: Suggested cleaning faucet filter and trap (didn’t know if she had a faucet filter).

22.  Another complaint about hydroseeding in hot weather.  Answer: Again will revisit in late September.

 23.  Received a bill for $218.  Answer: Call customer service.  However, will visit resident after meeting.

 24.  Crab grass from first section.  Answer:  Revisit in late September.

 25.  After meters turned on, how was bill pro rated?  Answer: 7.1% discount .13% refund. WICA rate gets revisited every 6 months.  WRA rate sometimes a charge or credit.

 26.  Can pipes freeze under house?  Answer: Heat tape should prevent freezing.  A heat tape is a coil that’s insulated & it’s attached to the crock.  Heat tape should be replaced every 5 years.

27.  Will roads remain in patchwork & not repaved?  Answer: Yes.  CT Water offered some funds to help but the repaving bids were astronomical.

 28.  Why don’t we have sewers?  Answer:  Killingworth has no sewers.

 29.  How does the meter send a signal?  Answer:  With a 25 year battery.

30.  Does anyone check how much seed is in the hydroseeding as all I had is mostly fluff?  Answer: It could be less seed came out due to heat & will be readdressed end of September.

 31.  Can my house sink if there’s a leak under it? Answer: Not likely.

32.  Section of my property after construction has less dirt.  Answer:  CT Water will visit his property today.

33.  What’s is the billing cycle?  Answer: 22nd of the month.

 CT Water and Sun reps wrote down all addresses to be contacted.

 CT Water reminded attendees that they should communicate with their Customer Service with anything that comes up. 1.800. 286.5700.