FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): City Utilities water is now flowing to over 2,000 residents in the former Aqua southwest service district.

Thursday afternoon, nearly 2,200 customers, in an area between Bass Road to the north and Jefferson Boulevard to the south, were connected to City water. Mayor Tom Henry was present for the switchover. He joined residents in the Abbey Place Villas neighborhood to flush a fire hydrant and drink a toast with City water.

“This is a great day in the City of Fort Wayne as we begin to provide our award-winning water services to more residents,” said Mayor Henry. “Since becoming Mayor, my team and I have worked tirelessly to bring City water to residents in southwest Fort Wayne. By working together, we’re making a meaningful difference to enhance our quality of life and be a leader in meeting the needs of our community by investing in the future.”

The remainder of the more than 12,500 customers will be connected in phases over a 10-month period. However, all the customers in the former Aqua southwest service area will start paying City Utilities water rates immediately.

Franz Suarez, the Public Information Director for City Utilities says there could be a savings, collectively, of nearly $1 million a year and for an individual customer, he says, they could save anywhere from $120-$140 a year.

As of Wednesday, Mayor Henry and Aqua Indiana officials signed the final documents to complete the City’s purchase of Aqua’s water system in southwest Fort Wayne.  

New customers are receiving a welcome letter this week, detailing the estimated timeline for connection. Additional information is available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/aquatransition.