
At the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to foster economic growth, support regional development, and advocate for policies that strengthen our business climate. Reliable infrastructure is central to that mission, and few resources are as vital to both residents and businesses as safe, affordable, and dependable water.
That’s why we are supporting the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority’s (RWA) proposed acquisition of Aquarion.
The RWA is a locally governed, not-for-profit utility with a long history of responsible water management. Unlike private companies, its revenues are reinvested directly into system improvements and environmental stewardship, keeping the focus on public benefit rather than shareholder returns. This community-centered approach aligns closely with the values of our region’s business community.
Bringing Aquarion under the RWA’s umbrella offers several key benefits:
- Regional Efficiency: A more unified system will reduce redundancies between two neighboring water systems and create opportunities for stronger infrastructure planning.
- Cost Containment: Operational efficiencies can help stabilize long-term costs for both residents and businesses.
- Local Accountability: RWA is overseen by public officials and citizen representatives, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to the communities it serves.
- Sustainability: Investments in environmental stewardship and long-term infrastructure upgrades will strengthen our region’s resilience.
For businesses, water is more than a utility—it is the foundation of growth. From bioscience labs and advanced manufacturers to restaurants and hotels, safe and reliable water supports the industries that power our economy.
This proposed acquisition is about planning for the future. By unifying our regional water system under the proven, accountable stewardship of the RWA, we can ensure that Greater New Haven remains a place where businesses and communities thrive.
The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this acquisition and believes it represents a forward-looking step toward a stronger, more resilient future for our region.
Victoria Verderame is the director of public policy and communications for the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.