Primary & Secondary Treatment Remains Fully Functional – Advisory to Avoid Contact with the Scantic River between Somersville & the Connecticut River

Due to an ongoing improvements project taking place at the Somersville Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF), located in Somers, CT, the ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection system is currently offline. This has resulted in no final (tertiary treatment) disinfection of the plant’s effluent taking place before it enters the Scantic River. UV disinfection is required by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) during recreation season, which runs between May 1 – September 30.

While there is no immediate threat to the public’s health or safety, the Somers Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has issued an advisory to avoid contact with the Scantic River until the facility’s UV disinfection system is back online. This is tentatively scheduled for on or around May 9, 2025. If anyone should come into contact with the river, it is recommended they immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.

Primary treatment (involving the removal of solids) and secondary treatment (utilizing biological processes to remove pollutants) of the wastewater at the facility are fully operational. Wastewater service to area homes and businesses has not and will not be interrupted.

The WPCA has notified and been in constant contact with CT DEEP about the situation at the WPCF, as required by law, and will share further information as it becomes available. Once the UV disinfection system is back online, the advisory for the Scantic River will be lifted.