EASTON, CONN. – July 16, 2020 – Aquarion Water Company today announced it has acquired a conservation easement on 15.34 acres of land in Easton adjacent to the company’s Easton Reservoir property. Located on Kachele Street, the property hosts streams that directly feed the reservoir. By acquiring the easement, Aquarion is better positioned to ensure that these vital sources of water are protected. Additionally, keeping water sources clean helps to reduce the amount of treatment that water needs before being delivered to customers.
“It was critical that Aquarion acquire a conservation easement for the Kachele Street property,” said Donald Morrissey, President of Aquarion Water Company. “Not only is the parcel an important water source, it is also located in an area with significant potential for real estate development. Were the parcel to be developed, we would have lost the opportunity to permanently conserve the land.”
The Kachele land now adds to nearly 20,000 acres of watershed land managed by Aquarion, underscoring the company mission as stewards of the environment.
“We wouldn't be here today without the neighboring property owners who made it possible to secure this easement,” said Morrissey. “Thanks to the leadership of Kachele Street residents James Prosek, Andrew Kachele, and Shari Jones, this property will remain in its natural state for many years to come.”
Kachele Street-resident and property owner James Prosek helped to spearhead the years-long effort to preserve the property. A veteran outdoorsman and environmental advocate, Prosek’s efforts were vital to securing the easement.
“I’ve spent most of my life around this property, and the watershed was a very important part of my childhood,” said Prosek. “I’m humbled to have played a role in conserving this vital open space for future generations, and would like to thank my neighbors and Aquarion for their commitment to our environment.”
Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply and wastewater treatment company for more than 780,000 people in 73 cities and towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S. Based in Bridgeport, CT, Aquarion has been in the public water supply business since 1857. Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices. Aquarion Water Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource.