The Metropolitan District (MDC) – Hartford, CT

The Metropolitan District (MDC)

Regional Water and Sewer Authority

The Metropolitan District (MDC) is a non-profit municipal corporation chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly to provide potable water and sewerage services to the Hartford region. While the input address points to 550 Main Street (Hartford City Hall), the MDC’s headquarters and primary customer service center are located immediately adjacent at 555 Main Street. The MDC acts as the primary utility provider for water and wastewater management for Hartford and seven surrounding member towns. This organization is critical to the public health and environmental safety of the region, managing a vast infrastructure of reservoirs, treatment plants, and miles of distribution piping. The MDC is responsible for the collection and treatment of wastewater, ensuring that it is processed to meet strict environmental standards before being returned to the Connecticut River. Additionally, the district maintains the safety and quality of the drinking water supply, which is renowned for its high quality. As a quasi-public agency, the MDC is governed by a Board of Commissioners and operates independently of the city government, although it works closely with municipal departments on infrastructure projects.

Services and Operations

The MDC provides a wide array of services to residents and business owners in Hartford.

• Water Services: Management of water accounts, meter reading, and emergency response to water main breaks or service interruptions.
• Sewer and Wastewater: Maintenance of the sewer system, including clearing blockages and managing the Clean Water Project, a multi-billion dollar initiative to upgrade the region’s aging sewer infrastructure.
• Billing and Customer Service: The downtown office serves as a hub for customers to pay bills, inquire about rates, and set up payment plans.
• Household Hazardous Waste: The MDC organizes collections for hazardous household materials, ensuring safe disposal and preventing environmental contamination.
• Recreation: The MDC also manages thousands of acres of watershed land, providing public access for hiking, biking, and fishing at locations like the West Hartford Reservoirs, although the administrative work for these areas is handled downtown.

Bill Payment and Office Access

The customer service center is designed to assist residents with financial transactions and account management. Visitors can make payments in person, discuss billing discrepancies, or apply for water assistance programs if they are facing financial hardship. The office accepts various forms of payment and provides validation for parking in designated areas. It is important for visitors to note that while the MDC serves the city, it is a distinct entity from the City of Hartford’s Tax Collector. The facility at Main Street is professional and secure, requiring visitors to undergo standard security screening.