News

Friday, February 17, 2017, New Haven – With unseasonably warm weather conditions forecast for this upcoming weekend, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) is reminding people not to walk, skate or sled on frozen reservoirs and to observe warning signs posted on watershed land. Entering the water and doing any kind of activity on ice are not permitted on the RWA’s reservoirs that are the sources of water for nearly 430,000 consumers in the Greater New Haven area.

“Several RWA reservoirs are either frozen or partially frozen over,” said Regional Water Authority Police Captain, Sal Nesci. "Ice can be deceiving because it freezes and thaws at different rates, and ice thickness can vary depending on currents and depth. It is impossible to tell how thick the ice really is on some of our reservoirs, but with temperatures rising, any ice that is there is likely now to be breaking up.”

The winter months offer many unique opportunities for the RWA’s recreation program permit holders to access nine areas in south central Connecticut. All have different features to explore by walking, hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Below are some ice safety tips everyone should follow when near bodies of water during this time of year:

• Obey all posted signs at RWA recreation areas and on watershed property.
• Don’t be tempted to test the thickness of the ice; it’s easy to slip from the bank and fall through.
• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it from freezing. It can also hide cracks as well as other weak spots.
• Parents should always closely watch and supervise their children, and explain the dangers of playing on frozen reservoirs and lakes.
• Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

“We want our recreation permit holders to enjoy our watershed lands, but it’s important that people act responsibly, too,” Nesci said. “Falling through thin ice can very quickly become a tragedy, which is why we all must be diligent during this time of year.”

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About the Regional Water Authority
The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) delivers water for life by providing high-quality water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven. Across its operations, the RWA acts as a responsible steward of the environment by protecting the more than 27,000 acres of watershed land it owns and promoting sustainable practices. Our more than 260 employees work toward our vision of being an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens communities and protects natural resources for future generations. For more information on the Regional Water Authority, please visit www.rwater.com.