Why is the Clean Water Program Needed?
A. The MDC has a 150 year old combined sewer system in Hartford with a 100 year old sanitary sewer system located in the surrounding communities. These systems surcharge with rainwater during storm events, and discharge untreated wastewater through overflows. More than 1 billion gallons of untreated wastewater overflow to area streams and waterways annually. These discharges impact the Connecticut River water quality over a 30 mile distance up to 50 times per yearevery time it rains more than 0.25 inches. Other area waters that have their water quality affected include: Wethersfield Cove, North Branch Park River, Trout Brook, Goff Brook, among others. In addition, area basements and streets experience flooding by raw sewage. These public health and safety issues must be abated.
