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Try a Trade Program Video

Check out the video recap of the MDC’s 2025 Try a Trade Program. The program exposes students to hands on experience and the option of a career at the MDC right out of high school. Hear the success stories of how last year’s program has already produced several full time employees – a true pipeline of workforce development as we encourage students from our communities to be the water and sewer industry workers of the future!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70VgSzwFuMA

MDC Announces temporary closure of Lake McDonough boat launch

Press Release PDF

MDC announced the temporary closure of all recreational boating activities at Lake McDonough, effective immediately, due to elevated water levels resulting from an ongoing dam safety project.  Lake McDonough is a recreation area located off Route 219 in Barkhamsted that permits boating and fishing.

The Lake McDonough boat launch opened for Saturdays and Sundays in April and was scheduled to open daily for the season on Thursday, May 1.  Typically, the boat launch is open daily seven days a week from 10AM to 8PM beginning in May through Labor Day.  

The current estimate for re-opening the boat launch is May 15. Construction schedules are subject to change.
MDC announced the temporary closure of all recreational boating activities at Lake McDonough, effective immediately, due to elevated water levels resulting from an ongoing dam safety project.  Lake McDonough is a recreation area located off Route 219 in Barkhamsted that permits boating and fishing.

The Lake McDonough boat launch opened for Saturdays and Sundays in April and was scheduled to open daily for the season on Thursday, May 1.  Typically, the boat launch is open daily seven days a week from 10AM to 8PM beginning in May through Labor Day.  

The current estimate for re-opening the boat launch is May 15.

While the MDC regrets any inconvenience, this action is necessary to ensure the safety and security of staff and recreation area guests. 

Press Release: MDC Announces Start of Silas Deane Watermain Project

MDC ANNOUNCES START OF SILAS DEANE WATERMAIN PROJECT
Over 1.5 miles of new water main infrastructure to be replaced
Press Release PDF
Project Area Map PDF

(HARTFORD, CT) – Beginning the week of April 21st, the Metropolitan District (MDC) and their contractor, Burns Construction, will be starting construction on the Silas Deane Highway Water Main replacement project to replace existing watermains, services, and install meter pits with a projected completion date of August 2026.

The project scope includes the replacement of 1.3 miles of watermain along the Silas Deane Highway from Parsonage Street in Rocky Hill to Mill Street in Wethersfield. In addition, another quarter mile of water main pipe will be replaced on Town Line Road from Charter Road to the Silas Deane Highway. The work will include restoration of the road, sidewalks, curbs, driveways and landscaping.

A construction inspector and/or field engineer will always be on site during the construction work.  All traffic plans are coordinated with each town, including police and fire departments, as well as the Department of Transportation.

In early April, MDC staff held a stakeholder meeting with area businesses and town officials as part of an initial outreach effort to keep businesses and residents in the project area informed. Stakeholder contact will continue throughout the duration of the project with project emails, flyers and periodic meetings as needed. Notification will be sent out ahead of each phase of work.  Businesses will remain accessible during construction.

Regular work hours for the project are Monday through Friday 8:30AM-4PM. Night work is also planned for future phases of the project.

Daily updates for MDC construction projects are available on the MDC’s Construction Traffic map webpage: www.mdc-roadclosures.com/liveupdates/index.php

For project outreach questions, contact communication@themdc.com.




Press Release MDC Announces Schedule for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program


PDF Download Release and Schedule

(HARTFORD, CT) – Each year, the Metropolitan District (MDC) provides its customers with an environmentally-friendly initiative, the Household Hazardous Waste Collection (HazWaste) program. The 2025 HazWaste Program is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 26 in Newington.

The MDC collects hazardous waste and disposes of it through safe, environmentally responsible practices which in turn protects the health of our communities and the environment. The MDC will hold ten collection dates in 2025 and residents of any participating towns can partake in any collection date.

Participating towns for 2025 include: Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks. See schedule for dates, times and locations.

For more information about the HazWaste program, including a downloadable information packet that lists eligibility requirements, types of materials accepted and more, visit https://themdc.org/what-we- do/environment-health-safety/household-hazardous-waste-collection or call the HazWaste hotline at (860) 278-3809.

HazWaste webpage
https://themdc.org/what-we-do/environment-health-safety/household-hazardous-waste-collection

2025 Information Packet
https://themdc.org/app/uploads/2025/02/2025-Info-Packet-Final-1.13.25.pdf

Season Passes for MDC’s Lake McDonough Boat Launch available for online purchase

For complete, info check out the Lake McDonough page

SEASON PASSES
Season Passes for boating at Lake McDonough can be purchased online at:
https://mdcrecreational.square.site/

Boaters must also complete an online Registration Form when you purchase a season pass at:
https://mdcrecreational.square.site/forms-and-agreements
After purchasing season passes online, they can be picked up when you arrive at Lake McDonough

SINGLE DAY PASSES
Please note that single day passes must still be purchased on site at Lake McDonough. To expedite your entry to Lake McDonough, you can fill out a PDF form ahead of time and bring it with you.
You can also obtain one on site and fill out when when you arrive.
Boating Registration Form and Agreement for 2025 (PDF)

2025 BOAT LAUNCH HOURS
Saturday, April 12: 6AM – 8PM (OPENING DAY)
Sunday, April 13: 10AM-8PM
Weekends only for remainder of April: 10AM – 8PM
May 1 – September 1, Daily: 10AM – 8PM
Please check banner at the top of the MDC website for weather-related closings and re-openings of Lake McDonough.

Press Release: MDC Annual Watershed Inspections to Begin

MDC ANNUAL WATERSHED INSPECTIONS TO BEGIN 
Property inspections to begin in the towns of Barkhamsted, Hartland, New Hartford, Burlington, Canton, Harwinton, Torrington, Winsted, Avon, Simsbury, Bloomfield and West Hartford 
For Immediate Release 
Download CT Press Release PDF
Download MA Press Release PDF

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Metropolitan District (MDC) will be conducting its state-mandated annual watershed sanitary survey and inspection program beginning this month. The purpose of the program, which will continue through November, is to prevent contamination of the MDC’s drinking water supplies as a result of septic system failure, erosion, runoff, and other potential pollutants. 

Routine watershed sanitary surveys are required by Section 19-13-B102 (b) of the Connecticut Public Health Code.  

Property inspections will take place in the towns of Barkhamsted and Hartland on the Barkhamsted Reservoir watershed; in New Hartford, Burlington, Canton, Harwinton, Torrington and Winsted on the Nepaug Reservoir watershed; and in the towns of Avon, Simsbury, Bloomfield and West Hartford on the West Hartford and Reservoir No. 6 watersheds.  

Routine field inspections take only a few minutes and will be conducted by MDC’s Watershed Inspector who carries appropriate MDC identification and drives an authorized MDC vehicle. The Inspector does not enter homes; the inspection is limited to the exterior portions of the real property.  In 2024, the MDC inspected 1074 watershed properties. 

If a violation or an issue is detected, it is reported to the property owner and health officials as required by law.  Property owners may receive more information by contacting the MDC Watershed Management Unit, Barkhamsted Water Supply Division at 860-278-7850 extension 3120.  A video short on the watershed program is available on the MDC’s YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GuWA8V9dk.