A small stream in western Connecticut flows rapidly, providing more than adequate water and habitat for the native brook trout in its waters.
A River Runs Dry It would seem to be common sense that a river, as it flows downstream, can only grow larger.
Yet the pictures above are evidence that just the opposite is happening on our local rivers and in streams across the state.
Above we see a healthy, vibrant stream, home to a flourishing native brook trout population. The stream is running full strength, with more than adequate water, before vanishing right before our eyes.
It's not a trick. The photos were taken on the same day, at the same time, just one mile apart. But it is evidence of Connecticut's antiquated water laws at work and a call to action to bring about much needed change.
Our Rivers at Risk Since the 1970s, Connecticut has operated under a set of water laws which provide only the bare minimum of protections to our local rivers and streams. And even then, only streams stocked with trout are regulated.
The rest face a barrage of water withdrawls and diversions from reservoirs, groundwater well fields, golf courses and other major water users. The result, our streams run dry, trout die off and aquatic life in the river is so thoroughly damaged that even once the water is flowing again, the populations find it difficult to rebound.
Streamflow Regulations But newly proposed streamflow regulations are currently being considered in Hartford to change all of that. Balancing the human needs of drinking water, agriculture and industry with the ecological health of our rivers, these regulations are a strong step forward in protecting the state's most valuable resource.
If approved, the regulations will require minimum releases from reservoirs to keep our rivers flowing and limit groundwater withdrawls to prevent over-pumping of the aquifers that recharge our rivers. At the same time, the regulations ensure that human health and safety is preserved with clean, abundant stocks of drinking water.
The same stream one mile downstream after a water company has trapped and pumped all but a trickle of water to a distant reservoir.
How You Can Help
Take 1 minute today to protect our rivers and streams.
Connecticut's rivers and streams and the trout that inhabit them are in jeopardy.
Bill 1020: An Act Concerning Water Resources and Economic Development threatens to derail nearly 5 years of work on balanced regulations that protect the environment while providing ample water for commercial uses.
As a member of Trout Unlimited and committed conservationist, take a stand to protect Connecticut's rivers by sending a form letter to leaders in Hartford telling them to reject Bill 1020 and let the streamflow regulation process continue.
