The Fenton River
University Impact Awareness,
Water Conservation Efforts, and Progress
Paul Ferri, Environmental Compliance Analyst, takes measurements of the Fenton River.
a drying river-
where the splash of life
is drained away.
Haiku by: Jessica LaRocca
Background and University Useage
The University of Connecticut is allowed to draw approximately 844,300 gallons of water a day from its wellfields near the Fenton River and approximately 2.3 million gallons from the Willimantic River wellfields. On average, the University Water Supply System supplies 1.3 million gallons of water per day to UConn students, administration, faculty, staff, and community members.
In early September 2005, about a 1/4 mile stretch of the Fenton River ran dry. In response to this event, the following statement was made to the DEP:
"The University believes that withdrawals from its wellfields required to meet seasonal peak demands concurrently with extreme dry conditions in the summer of 2005, contributed to the drying of the stretch of the Fenton River in the vicinity of the well fields.
In response to this event, the University made considerable efforts to review, improve, and implement emergency and long-standing water conservation goals for the campus and surrounding communities dependant on the university water supply."
UConn Responds
As a result of this correspondance and concern, the University of Connecticut committed to the following Restorative Measures:
- Re-stock 1000 catchable size brown trout in the Fenton River in Spring 2006.
- Promote greater public access to UConn-owned property for fishing along the Fenton River (including access to sites in the Fenton Forest Tract/East campus and Moss Tract/Willington).
- Conduct a study about re-colonization of invertebrates in the stretch of the Fenton River that was dry from September 9-15, 2005.
- Reimburse DEP for natural resources lost and staff time spent investigating the fish kill and conditions of the Fenton River.
Additional Water Conservation measures included:
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Continue voluntary and mandatory conservation measures already implemented until seasonally normal stream flow is restored.
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Hire an expert water conservation consultant to assist the University in identifying and implementing additional conservation measures.
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Implement the Water Conservation Outreach, Education, and Awareness Plan developed by the University’s Environmental Policy Advisory Council Water Conservation workgroup, especially the Student Affairs’ Division of Residential Life outreach components in dormitories and other on-campus student housing.
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Complete campus-wide water supply sub-metering program to enable real-time, on-line monitoring of water use in specific buildings, for the purposes of:
- Verifying conformance with conservation measures
- Measuring reduced demand achieved through conservation
There were also several Water Supply System Assessment and Improvements listed:
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Implement improvements to the infrastructure (pumps and wells) in UConn's Willimantic River wellfield to increase capcity by 250,000 - 300,000 GPD by the close of the current construction season. This would bring the capacity of the WIllimantic River wellfield to 1.5 million GPD collectively, thereby reducing reliance on the Fenton River wellfield during periods of low flow and high demand.
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Complete the Fenton River Instream Flow and Aquatic Habitat Study, including management recommendations for minimizing impact on the river by Fall 2005. Include opportunities for review and comment on the final draft report by the Fenton Study Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
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Analyze the existing water distribution system including the condition of existing mains and areas at risk for significant water losses.
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Pursuant to the terms of a pending DPH consent order, engage a professional operator to manage UConn’s Water Supply System.
Click here to view the water conservation action plan listings
Water Conservation helps!
Voluntary measures after September 9 reduced campus water consumption by 100-150,000 GPD!
Water Conservation Webpage
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