It is likely that additional safety requirements will be established in the latter part of this decade. They will introduce most of us to new language - dissolved air flotation, ozonation, and ultraviolet disinfection. New filtration schemes will likely use membrane technology or biologically active carbon filters to retrofit existing or construct new treatment plants. While safe water is something we all agree on, we recognize that there will be huge costs associated with complying with these regulations. Surveys conducted by the Regional Water Authority show that customers appear willing to pay more for drinking water.
Water quality is of the highest priority for most.
Currently, water is relatively cheap in Connecticut as compared to costs across the country. As water rates rise, the willingness of water customers to pay higher rates is likely to change and the financial value of water conservation will come into play. It interests me that although we often times view ourselves as frugal Yankees, there is really not much of a conservation ethic in Connecticut - at least as far as conserving water is concerned. This brings me to my final point. Connecticut is blessed with an abundant supply of fresh water and none have done more to put it to productive use than the citizens of the state have.