Conversations about the future of water operations in Connecticut paint an incomplete picture, overlooking the significant advantages and proven track record that regulated, private water companies bring to communities, particularly in Connecticut.
Claiming that government ownership inherently delivers transparency, accountability and long-term value is simply not supported by actual evidence.
Regulated, private water companies operate under a far more rigorous and transparent regulatory framework compared to government-run systems. Regulated, private water companies are subject to oversight from multiple state and federal agencies. In Connecticut, this includes the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). This multi-layered scrutiny not only leads to higher rates of compliance, it also results in an increased standard of performance in areas such as cybersecurity, diversity and even rates.
Regulated, private water companies’ rates in Connecticut, far from being arbitrary, are meticulously reviewed and authorized by PURA, ensuring fairness and preventing an undue burden on consumers. This level of independent oversight is often less robust in government-run systems, where decisions can be more susceptible to the whims of political influence rather than purely operational or financial considerations.
The claim that regulated, private companies are solely driven by “shareholder profits” and thus neglect long-term planning or affordability is a grossly inaccurate statement. Regulated, private water companies’ business model is built on long-term investment. Our success is inextricably linked to the health of the communities we serve. This necessitates continuous investment in infrastructure, advanced treatment technologies and skilled personnel to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and high-quality water for generations.
Regulated, private water companies such as Aquarion and Connecticut Water have a long and distinguished history of serving Connecticut residents, because they consistently invest in safety and reliability by updating the community’s infrastructure and delivering water that meets or exceeds all regulatory standards. This commitment to long-term stewardship is a fundamental principle of responsible private utility management.
Furthermore, the notion that regulated, private systems are inherently less compliant is simply not true. While a recent op-ed cites a single study from Virginia, it’s crucial to consider the broader landscape. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regulated, private water companies are 24% less likely to violate the Safe Drinking Water Act. The largest and most comprehensive analysis of water quality data ever conducted found that private ownership of a community water system resulted in higher SDWA compliance rates over a 34-year period.
Using Connecticut’s Regional Water Authority (RWA) as an example, the EPA data shows the government-run system was not in compliance with the lead and copper rule for nearly five months in 2021 due to a monitoring and reporting violation. Furthermore, a Safe Drinking Water Act Sanitary Survey conducted in May 2021 found “significant deficiencies” in the RWA system. Three years later, a SDWA sanitary survey showed RWA had the same “significant deficiencies,” and the list of “recommendations” expanded to also include “distribution” and “security,” indicating negative progress on key performance metrics.
As of June 2025, the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Violations Report shows 59 total violations for RWA dating to 2014. Of these violations, 56 are listed as “major violations.” The vast majority – 55 of the 59 – occurred in 2014-2015 as monitoring and reporting violations relating to a variety of contaminants.
The reality is that regulated, private water companies often have access to greater capital, specialized expertise and economies of scale that enable them to invest in cutting-edge technologies and best practices for water treatment and monitoring. This translates into superior water quality and a proactive approach to regulatory compliance. This is a claim that is supported by study-after-study, not just a cherry-picked one from a single state.
The reputation of regulated, private water companies – and indeed their very existence – depends on delivering safe water, making regulatory adherence a top priority, not an afterthought. Connecticut residents have been well-served by regulated, private water companies and their dedicated professional employees and their established infrastructure for decades.
Ultimately, the debate over government-run versus regulated, private ownership should not be about ideology, but about what truly delivers the best outcomes for communities. Regulated, private water companies offer a compelling value proposition: access to capital for critical infrastructure upgrades, specialized expertise in water management, rigorous independent regulatory oversight and a proven commitment to delivering safer, more reliable and affordable water.
For Connecticut, a new, untested government-run entity carries significant risks, including potential service disruptions, increased costs to customers and a loss of the institutional knowledge and expertise that has been cultivated over a long history.
Robert F. Powelson is the President and CEO of the National Association of Water Companies.