Water co. asks Conn. regulators for rate increase

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — A water company buying up smaller systems to consolidate service in Connecticut is seeking a nearly 17 percent rate increase.

Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut said Wednesday it has told state regulators it will seek the increase. The increase would generate about $27 million more in revenue and cost the average customer about $7 a month more.

Aquarion serves 625,000 customers in 47 cities and towns in Connecticut. It says it has spent more than $143 million to improve its delivery and other systems.

Aquarion has acquired dozens of smaller water systems in the state, primarily in western Connecticut, to improve regional service. Regulators have encouraged the consolidation to improve access to running water and reduce operation costs.