Submitted by Richard Rathsack, Connecticut Water
(May 8, 2025) — As Connecticut Water celebrates Drinking Water Week, the company invites customers and the public to learn about where their water comes from during an upcoming watershed hike as part of Trails Day.
“Our team of local water professionals is eager to share the tools we use to protect water sources, filter and treat water to remove impurities, and test its quality,” Connecticut Water President Craig J. Patla said. “Events like these combine the fundamental building blocks of our company – customers, employees, communities and the environment. We know high-quality drinking water and reliable service are essential to our customers and the community, and this is great way to share our commitment to service.”
Discover the natural beauty of watershed lands with Connecticut Water employee volunteers during a hike in Killingworth during Connecticut Trails Day Weekend 2025 in June. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association coordinates Trails Day hikes in the state which, together with hike sponsors, host the largest National Trails Day celebration in the country.
Watersheds support life in a variety of ways – from providing habitat for plants and animals living directly in the watershed to channeling water to the sources used for drinking water in homes. High quality drinking water starts at the source. Connecticut Water owns and maintains 6,500 acres of watershed land as permanent open space to protect water sources.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has approved hiking trails at Connecticut Water properties so the public can enjoy the outdoors while not impacting water quality. On Trails Day, we’ll showcase the Killingworth trail, which is home to a variety of wildlife. You never know what you might see!
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Killingworth – 10:00 a.m.
This hike features a 1.5 mile loop in the Killingworth and Kelseytown Reservoir watershed area, which includes some minor hills and will cross the Menunketesuck River footbridge. The loop trail takes hikers past Pete’s Pond and borders Cockaponset State Forest. Meet at the Platt Nature Center located at 344 Roast Meat Hill Road. There is no rain date for this hike.
This hike is appropriate for children and families. Dogs are permitted on the hike as long as they are leashed. The trail is not considered handicapped accessible. For more information on Connecticut Trails Day, visit ctwoodlands.org. Connecticut Water also will host a hike in Tolland and a tour of a water treatment facility in Naugatuck. Details at ctwater.com.
Connecticut Water is a public water utility that is regulated by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. The company provides water service to more than 107,000 customers in sixty Connecticut towns, including Haddam, East Haddam and Killingworth.
Photo provided by Connecticut Water
