2 - Town of Colchester

UTILITIES
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OVERVIEW
Utility infrastructure includes piped utilities (public water, public sewer, natural gas), wired utilities (electric, telephone,
and cable television), and other utilities (cellular communications). The location and capacity of infrastructure is
important to the future growth and development of Colchester since it can direct growth towards or away from certain
areas.
INVENTORY & ASSESSMENT
Public Water Service
The Colchester Sewer and Water Commission and the Public Works Department manage the public water system in
Colchester. Public water is derived exclusively from public wells and service is essentially limited to the center of
Colchester where the majority of the commercial and community facilities (schools, Town Hall) in town are located.
Improve public water
supply and sewer
service . . .
Encourage
improvements to other
utility services . . .
Address other
infrastructure issues . .
.
While Colchester has adequate water supply sources to meet current demand, water consumption is expected to increase
and additional water supplies will be needed during the planning period. A number of groundwater options are under
consideration. In addition, the possibility for an emergency or permanent interconnection with the Norwich Water
Department (who use the Deep River Reservoir in Colchester) is being explored. In the meantime, efforts are continuing
to minimize water loss from the system and to encourage water conservation.
Protection of water quality is a continuing concern due to the well locations and such efforts will continue. Colchester
should identify and develop new water supply sources to provide an adequate supply of potable water for future residents
and businesses.
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