Connecticut Water Service (CTWS) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CT
Entity Central Index Key	276,209
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,181,070

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Utility Plant	$ 710,034	$ 685,654
Construction Work in Progress	16,641	9,304
Gross Utility Plant	726,675	694,958
Accumulated Provision for Depreciation	(197,713)	(188,019)
Net Utility Plant	528,962	506,939
Other Property and Investments	7,995	8,271
Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,186	2,475
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance, 2015 - $1,060; 2014 - $1,202)	12,978	11,971
Accrued Unbilled Revenues	10,115	8,283
Materials and Supplies	2,108	1,486
Prepayments and Other Current Assets	11,871	11,953
Total Current Assets	39,258	36,168
Restricted Cash	14	0
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	5,910	6,292
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset	73,218	57,331
Pension Benefits - Regulatory Asset	13,517	13,713
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension - Regulatory Asset	2,585	2,626
Goodwill	30,427	31,685
Deferred Charges and Other Costs	8,555	8,164
Total Regulatory and Other Long-Term Assets	134,226	119,811
Total Assets	710,441	671,189
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Common Stock Without Par Value: Authorized - 25,000,000 Shares - Issued and Outstanding: 2015 - 11,180,146; 2014 - 11,124,630	143,481	141,684
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	81,147	69,370
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(1,604)	(1,603)
Common Stockholders' Equity	223,024	209,451
Preferred Stock	772	772
Long-Term Debt	176,679	176,601
Total Capitalization	400,475	386,824
Debt, Current	2,597	2,457
Interim Bank Loans Payable	11,442	1,991
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	9,744	10,019
Accrued Interest	1,442	693
Customer Refund Liability, Current	4,676	6,079
Other Current Liabilities	2,346	2,383
Total Current Liabilities	32,247	23,622
Advances for Construction	23,195	26,718
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes	50,667	53,322
Unfunded Future Income Taxes	70,284	56,919
Long-Term Compensation Arrangements	37,770	35,748
Unamortized Investment Tax Credits	1,283	1,339
Refund to Customers - Regulatory Liability	1,457	1,550
Other Long-Term Liabilities	4,158	776
Total Long-Term Liabilities	188,814	176,372
Contributions in Aid of Construction	88,905	84,371
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$ 710,441	$ 671,189

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ / shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Issued	11,180,146	11,124,630
Outstanding	11,180,146	11,124,630
ASSETS
Allowance	$ 1,060	$ 1,202
Capitalization, Long-term Debt and Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, No Par Value	$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Revenues	$ 28,444	$ 27,554	$ 75,098	$ 73,273
Operating Expenses
Operation and Maintenance	12,185	10,871	34,688	32,041
Depreciation	3,228	2,947	9,525	8,593
Income Taxes	1,283	2,062	795	4,396
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	2,294	2,169	6,722	6,557
Total Operating Expenses	18,990	18,049	51,730	51,587
Net Operating Revenues	9,454	9,505	23,368	21,686
Other Utility Income, Net of Taxes	255	177	615	564
Total Utility Operating Income	9,709	9,682	23,983	22,250
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Oil and Gas and Timber Property	351	4	351	4
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
Non-Water Sales Earnings	296	378	1,040	1,209
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	129	150	327	417
Other	(54)	(165)	(165)	(96)
Total Other Income, Net of Taxes	722	367	1,553	1,534
Interest and Debt Expense
Interest on Long-Term Debt	1,754	1,766	5,291	5,285
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(105)	(168)	(369)	(490)
Amortization of Debt Expense	27	3	81	65
Total Interest and Debt Expense	1,676	1,601	5,003	4,860
Net Income	8,755	8,448	20,533	18,924
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement	10	10	29	29
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock	$ 8,745	$ 8,438	$ 20,504	$ 18,895
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	10,970,107	10,901,934	10,950,837	10,885,988
Diluted (in shares)	11,170,813	11,101,610	11,157,400	11,082,812
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.78	$ 1.87	$ 1.74
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.79	0.76	1.84	1.70
Dividends Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2675	$ 0.2575	$ 0.7825	$ 0.7525

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Income	$ 8,755	$ 8,448	$ 20,533	$ 18,924
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension, net of tax (expense) of $(31) and $(61) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(92) and $(87) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	48	14	117	136
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $44 and $9 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and of $75 and $(15) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(70)	(14)	(118)	24
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(22)	0	(1)	160
Comprehensive Income	$ 8,733	$ 8,448	$ 20,532	$ 19,084

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Plans, net of tax (expense) benefit of	$ 31	$ 61	$ 92	$ 87
Unrealized Investment loss, net of tax expense of	$ (44)	$ (9)	$ (75)	$ 15

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 75,386	$ 64,259	$ 69,370	$ 59,277
Net Income	8,755	8,448	20,533	18,924
Retained Earnings before Dividends	84,141	72,707	89,903	78,201
Dividends Declared:
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $0.60 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	10	10	29	29
Common Stock - $0.2675 per share and $0.2575 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $0.7825 per share and $0.7525 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	2,984	2,855	8,727	8,330
Total Dividends Declared	2,994	2,865	8,756	8,359
Balance at End of Period	81,147	69,842	81,147	69,842
Series A Voting
Dividends Declared:
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $0.60 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	3	3	9	9
Cumulative Preferred Stock
Dividends Declared:
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $0.60 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	$ 7	$ 7	$ 20	$ 20

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RET8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Dividends Declared:
Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2675	$ 0.2575	$ 0.7825	$ 0.7525
Cumulative Preferred Stock
Dividends Declared:
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	0.225	0.225	0.675	0.450
Series A Voting
Dividends Declared:
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.60	$ 0.40

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Proceeds from Sale of Land Held-for-investment	$ 6	$ 7
Net Additions to Utility Plant Used in Continuing Operations	30,260	31,069
Operating Activities:
Net Income	20,533	18,924
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Deferred Revenues	(3,395)	(4,291)
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits, Net	(4,844)	6,385
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	(327)	(417)
Depreciation (including $590 and $599 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, charged to other accounts)	10,115	9,192
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	351	4
Change in Assets and Liabilities:
Increase in Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues	(2,838)	(2,525)
Increase in Prepayments and Other Current Assets	(571)	(6,625)
(Increase) Decrease in Other Non-Current Items	10,778	(1,336)
Increase in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	(1,648)	524
Total Adjustments	6,919	903
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities	27,452	19,827
Investing Activities:
Release of restricted cash	0	4,488
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Used in Investing Activities	(30,254)	(26,574)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Interim Bank Loans	11,442	693
Repayment of Interim Bank Loans	(1,991)	0
Proceeds from the Issuance of Long-Term Debt	1,849	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	1,134	1,295
Costs to Issue Long-Term Debt and Common Stock	(5)	0
Repayment of Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion	(1,319)	(3,866)
Advances from Others for Construction	159	239
Cash Dividends Paid	(8,756)	(8,359)
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	2,513	(9,998)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(289)	(16,745)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2,475	18,371
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	2,186	1,626
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Non-Cash Contributed Utility Plant	966	768
Short-term Investment of Bond Proceeds Held in Restricted Cash	14
Cash Paid for:
Interest	4,306	4,250
State and Federal Income Taxes	$ 437	$ 1,135

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA10

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation charged to other accounts	$ 590	$ 599

Basis of Preparation of Financi

Basis of Preparation of Financials	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1. Basis of Preparation of Financials The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries are: The Connecticut Water Company (“Connecticut Water”) and The Maine Water Company (“Maine Water”). The Biddeford & Saco Water Company (“BSWC”) was merged with and into Maine Water, with Maine Water remaining as the surviving entity, effective January 1, 2014. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “10-K”) and as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Forms 10-Q for the periods ending March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year since the consolidated earnings are subject to seasonal factors. Regulatory Matters The rates we charge our water customers in Connecticut and Maine are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) and the Maine Public Utilities Commission (“MPUC”), respectively. It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return. Connecticut Water’s allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective September 30, 2015 , were 9.75% and 7.32% , respectively. Maine Water’s average allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective September 30, 2015 , were 9.50% and 7.96% , respectively. The PURA establishes rates in Connecticut on a company-wide basis while the MPUC approves Maine Water’s rates on a division-by-division basis. A newly passed water revenue adjustment mechanism law in Maine became effective on October 15, 2015. As discussed below, Maine Water is currently precluded from seeking new rates due to various agreements with the MPUC. Maine Water is currently evaluating how and when this new mechanism can be implemented. In September 2014, Maine Water and the Coastal Mountain Land Trust entered into a Letter of Intent for the sale and donation of a conservation easement on 1,300 acres of watershed land in the Camden and Rockland Division. The Letter of Intent contained three primary conditions: (1) MPUC approval for the accounting of the transaction in a manner acceptable to Maine Water, followed by (2) bondholder/trustee approval and (3) approval by the board of directors. Coastal Mountain Land Trust has a condition of having to raise the necessary funds in two parts - which is currently expected to occur during 2017 and in 2019. In November 2014, Maine Water filed a request with the MPUC for the accounting treatment of the estimated $1.2 million net gain/tax benefits related to the easement donation and in May 2015, Maine Water and the Office of the Public Advocate reached a settlement agreement where these benefits would be shared equally between shareholder and customers of the Camden and Rockland Division. An additional provision was agreed upon that extended an existing rate stay-out period for this division through July 1, 2017. The MPUC approved the settlement agreement through its order dated July 10, 2015. Connecticut Rates Effective April 1, 2014, in accordance with a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut (the “OCC”) and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut, Connecticut Water’s cumulative Water Infrastructure Conservation Adjustment (“WICA”) surcharge of 7.89% was rolled into base rates charged to customers. On July 29, 2014, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.59% surcharge to customers’ bills, representing approximately $12.7 million in WICA related projects. On September 26, 2014, the PURA approved the 1.59% surcharge with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2014. On January 28, 2015, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.35% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $11.2 million in WICA related projects. On February 23, 2015, Connecticut Water filed for a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment for the 2014 shortfall in WICA. On March 25 and 27, 2015, the PURA approved the reconciliation adjustment and the WICA application, respectively. Effective April 1, 2015, the cumulative WICA surcharge was 3.04%. On July 24, 2015, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.15% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $6.2 million in WICA related projects. On September 23, 2015, the PURA approved the WICA application as filed and a cumulative WICA surcharge of 4.19% was added to customer bills beginning on October 1, 2015. On June 5, 2013, Connecticut’s General Assembly passed Public Act 13-78, “An Act Concerning Water Infrastructure and Conservation, Municipal Reporting Requirements and Unpaid Utility Accounts at Multi-Family Dwellings” (“PA 13-78”), which authorized a Water Revenue Adjustment (“WRA”) to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the last general rate case and allows companies to adjust rates as necessary to recover the revenues approved by PURA in the last general rate case. The WRA removes the financial disincentive for water utilities to develop and implement effective water conservation programs. The WRA allows water companies to defer on the balance sheet, as a regulatory asset or liability, for later collection from or crediting to customers the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings. Additionally, PA 13-78 raised the cap for WICA charges to 10%, from 7.5%, between general rate cases and expands the eligible projects to include energy conservation projects, improvements required to comply with streamflow regulations, and improvements to acquired systems. Connecticut Water’s allowed revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , as approved by PURA during our 2010 general rate case and including subsequently approved WICA surcharges, are approximately $59.1 million. Through normal billing for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , revenue for Connecticut Water would have been approximately $55.5 million had the WRA not been implemented. As a result of the implementation of the WRA, Connecticut Water recorded $3.6 million in additional revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Maine Rates Effective June 2013, a Water Infrastructure Charge (“WISC”) became available in Maine that allows for expedited recovery of investment in water system infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution. Because the MPUC sets rates for Maine Water on a division-by-division basis, the WISC must be implemented in the same manner. Maine Water currently has a WISC in place in nine of its ten divisions with expected annual revenue of $265,000. Approximately $68,000 of the WISC increase will become effective in the fourth quarter of 2015. The previously approved WISC surcharge for the Biddeford and Saco division was folded into base rates upon the completion of that division’s rate case. On March 25, 2014, the MPUC approved a rate increase that was requested in June 2013 resulting in an annual increase of $340,000 in revenues for one of Maine Water’s divisions, which became effective on that date. Additionally, on November 5, 2014, Maine Water filed for a general rate increase for its Biddeford and Saco division, its largest division, requesting $1.7 million in additional revenues, offset by $700,000 in the first year due to the adoption of Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Revenue Procedure 2012-19 (“Repair Regulations”). Maine Water entered into a stipulation agreement (“Biddeford Stipulation Agreement”) with Maine’s Office of the Public Advocate which allowed for flow-through treatment of the Repair Regulations retroactive to January 1, 2014. As part of the Biddeford Stipulation Agreement, customers in the Biddeford and Saco division would receive the benefit of the Repair Regulations of approximately $880,000, over a three year period. Excluding the impact of the refund to customers, the Biddeford Stipulation Agreement calls for an annual increase in rates of approximately $1.3 million. MPUC issued a final decision related to the Biddeford Stipulation Agreement on March 13, 2015, with the new rates, and the first year of the refund, effective on March 10, 2015. The MPUC also approved pension plan accounting for the Biddeford Saco division as part of the rate order. As a result, the Company made an adjustment to Goodwill reflecting the pension regulatory asset that was established as part of the order. On October 30, 2014, Maine Water petitioned the MPUC for approval of an accounting order that would allow it to return to its customers a federal income tax refund stemming from the adoption of Repair Regulations to eight of its ten divisions, and to allow flow-through treatment of the repair deduction as of January 1, 2014. On February 26, 2015, the MPUC approved a stipulation between Maine Water and the Office of the Public Advocate (“Maine Water Stipulation Agreement”) that refunds $2.9 million to the customers of the eight divisions over a two year period starting no later than July 1, 2015, and allows the requested accounting treatment. In addition, Maine Water agreed not to file a general rate case during the two year refund period in any of the eight divisions that were allowed the refund. As part of the Biddeford Stipulation Agreement and the Maine Water Stipulation Agreement, Maine Water was required to determine the remaining deferred tax liabilities associated with the fixed assets which Maine Water would be deducting as part of the adoption of the Repair Regulations. All parties to the Biddeford Stipulation Agreement and the Maine Water Stipulation Agreement, and the MPUC, agreed that any benefit resulting from the elimination of deferred tax liabilities previously recorded on qualifying fixed assets subject to the Repair Regulation deduction, would be deferred and considered in a separate docket initiated after Maine Water had analyzed this additional deferred tax liability in more detail. The Company viewed the completion of the docket determining the ultimate disposition of the deferred tax liability associated with the qualifying fixed assets subject to the Repair Regulation deduction as materially linked to the flow-through treatment granted in the MPUC’s order issued on February 26, 2015. On April 8, 2015, Maine Water filed a petition with the MPUC that asked for amortization of the identified deferred tax liabilities in each of its ten divisions. On June 16, 2015, Maine Water and the Office of the Public Advocate reached a settlement agreement that allowed for the amortization of these deferred tax liabilities over a one to nine year period, depending on the division. The MPUC approved this agreement on June 22, 2015, at which point Maine Water began the amortization based on the agreed upon schedule. With the completion of this docket, Maine Water recorded in the quarter ended June 30, 2015 the retroactive benefit associated with the flow-through of Repair Regulations from January 1, 2014. The 2014 benefit, reflected in the second quarter of 2015, was approximately $931,000, or $0.09 per basic share outstanding.

Pension and Other Post-Retireme

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	2. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits The following tables set forth the components of pension and other post-retirement benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Pension Benefits Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months Period ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service Cost $ 538 $ 395 $ 1,614 $ 1,371 Interest Cost 778 789 2,335 2,315 Expected Return on Plan Assets (961 ) (896 ) (2,885 ) (2,674 ) Amortization of: Prior Service Cost 4 19 12 55 Net Recognized Loss 744 443 2,234 989 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 1,103 $ 750 $ 3,310 $ 2,056 The Company did not plan to make a contribution to its defined benefit pension plan in 2015 for the 2014 plan year, as allowed by the plan’s current funding status. Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (PBOP) Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months Period ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service Cost $ 114 $ 63 $ 343 $ 371 Interest Cost 141 150 423 470 Expected Return on Plan Assets (81 ) (75 ) (243 ) (229 ) Other 57 57 169 169 Amortization of: Prior Service Credit (142 ) (203 ) (428 ) (605 ) Recognized Net Loss 97 120 290 256 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 186 $ 112 $ 554 $ 432

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	3. Earnings per Share Earnings per weighted average common share are calculated by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods as detailed below (diluted shares include the effect of stock awards): Three months ended September 30, 2015 2014 Common Shares Outstanding End of Period: 11,180,146 11,111,444 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 10,970,107 10,901,934 Diluted 11,170,813 11,101,610 Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.80 $ 0.78 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.79 $ 0.76 Nine months ended September 30, Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 10,950,837 10,885,988 Diluted 11,157,400 11,082,812 Basic Earnings per Share $ 1.87 $ 1.74 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.03 ) (0.04 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.84 $ 1.70 Total unrecognized compensation expense for all stock awards was approximately $1.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years .

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and New Accounting Pronouncements	4. Recently Adopted and New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends its guidance related to revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The following steps are applied in the updated guidance: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, however early adoption is not permitted. On April 1, 2015, the FASB voted for a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09, making ASU 2014-09 effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact that this guidance may have on our consolidated financial position. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our consolidated financial position. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," which applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost. Under the updated guidance, an entity should measure inventory that is within scope at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged under the updated guidance for inventory that is measured using last-in, last-out ("LIFO"). This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers would now recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amount of the adjustment. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments for provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our consolidated financial position.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	5. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2015 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 250 $ (1,832 ) $ (1,582 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification (71 ) 1 (70 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI — 48 48 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (71 ) 49 (22 ) Ending Balance $ 179 $ (1,783 ) $ (1,604 ) Three months ended September 30, 2014 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 297 $ (252 ) $ 45 Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification (14 ) — (14 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI — 14 14 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (14 ) 14 — Ending Balance $ 283 $ (238 ) $ 45 (a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss. The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 298 $ (1,901 ) $ (1,603 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Before Reclassification (194 ) (64 ) (258 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 75 182 257 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (119 ) 118 (1 ) Ending Balance $ 179 $ (1,783 ) $ (1,604 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 259 $ (374 ) $ (115 ) Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification 13 — 13 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 11 136 147 Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income 24 136 160 Ending Balance $ 283 $ (238 ) $ 45 (a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss. The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2015(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2014(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ — $ — Other Income Tax expense — — Other Income — — Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 79 75 Other Income (b) Tax expense (31 ) (61 ) Other Income 48 14 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 48 $ 14 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense. (b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details). The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ 128 $ 18 Other Income Tax expense (53 ) (7 ) Other Income 75 11 Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 275 223 Other Income (b) Tax expense (93 ) (87 ) Other Income 182 136 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 257 $ 147 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense. (b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Connecticut Water Service, Inc.: 4.09% Term Loan Note $ 14,724 $ 15,466 The Connecticut Water Company: Var. 2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029 12,500 12,500 Var. 2004 Series A, Due 2028 5,000 5,000 Var. 2004 Series B, Due 2028 4,550 4,550 5.10% 2009 A Series, Due 2039 19,930 19,950 5.00% 2011 A Series, Due 2021 23,349 23,483 3.16% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 8,000 8,000 3.51% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022 14,795 14,795 4.29% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028 17,020 17,020 4.72% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032 14,795 14,795 4.75% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 14,550 14,550 Total The Connecticut Water Company 134,489 134,643 The Maine Water Company: 8.95% 1994 Series G, Due 2024 9,000 9,000 2.68% 1999 Series J, Due 2019 339 424 0.00% 2001 Series K, Due 2031 656 698 2.58% 2002 Series L, Due 2022 75 83 1.53% 2003 Series M, Due 2023 361 381 1.73% 2004 Series N, Due 2024 401 431 0.00% 2004 Series O, Due 2034 127 133 1.76% 2006 Series P, Due 2026 411 431 1.57% 2009 Series R, Due 2029 227 237 0.00% 2009 Series S, Due 2029 628 672 0.00% 2009 Series T, Due 2029 1,760 1,886 0.00% 2012 Series U, Due 2042 160 165 1.00% 2013 Series V, Due 2033 1,360 1,385 2.52% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 1,965 1,965 4.24% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2024 4,500 4,500 7.72% BSWC Series L, Due 2018 2,250 2,250 2.40% BSWC Series N, Due 2022 1,176 1,251 1.86% BSWC Series O, Due 2025 830 846 2.23% BSWC Series P, Due 2028 1,324 1,354 0.01% BSWC Series Q, Due 2035 1,864 — Various Various Capital Leases 22 37 Total The Maine Water Company 29,436 28,129 Add: Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment 627 820 Less: Current Portion (2,597 ) (2,457 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 176,679 $ 176,601 There are no mandatory sinking fund payments required on Connecticut Water’s outstanding Water Facilities Revenue Bonds. However, certain fixed rate Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds provide for an estate redemption right whereby the estate of deceased bondholders or surviving joint owners may submit bonds to the trustee for redemption at par, subject to a $25,000 per individual holder and a 3% annual aggregate limitation. On December 22, 2014, Maine Water and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) entered into an amendment to Amended and Restated Master Loan Agreement by and between Maine Water and CoBank, dated as of December 1, 2012 (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which CoBank loaned Maine Water $4,500,000. Maine Water used the proceeds of the above described loan from CoBank to refinance existing debt and to finance capital expenditures. On March 17, 2015, Maine Water completed the issuance of $1,864,050 aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series Q, 0.01% due March 17, 2035 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds were issued by Maine Water to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank (the “Bank”) and the proceeds of the issuance were loaned (the “Loan”) by the Bank to Maine Water pursuant to a Loan Agreement by and between Maine Water and the Bank dated as of March 17, 2015 (the “Loan Agreement”). The proceeds of the Loan will be used by Maine Water to fund various water facilities projects, including the replacement of a booster station and to fund modifications to a treatment plant, each located in the Town of Biddeford, Maine. During the first nine months of 2015, the Company paid approximately $742,000 related to Connecticut Water Service’s Term Note Payable issued as part of the acquisition of Maine Water, approximately $557,000 in sinking funds related to Maine Water’s outstanding bonds and $20,000 related to a deceased bond holder. Financial Covenants – The Company and its subsidiaries are required to comply with certain covenants in connection with various long term loan agreements. The most restrictive of these covenants is to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 60%. Additionally, Maine Water has restrictions on cash dividends paid based on restricted net assets. The Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2015 .

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value Disclosures FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”) provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and expands disclosure with respect to fair value measurements. FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three broad levels, as follows: Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using the Company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use. The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Company Owned Life Insurance $ — $ 2,847 $ — $ 2,847 Money Market Fund 66 — — 66 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,425 — — 1,425 Fixed Income Funds (2) 513 — — 513 Total $ 2,004 $ 2,847 $ — $ 4,851 The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Company Owned Life Insurance $ — $ 2,977 $ — $ 2,977 Money Market Fund 166 — — 166 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,790 — — 1,790 Total $ 1,956 $ 2,977 $ — $ 4,933 (1) Mutual funds consist primarily of equity securities and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) Mutual funds consist primarily of fixed income securities and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of Company Owned Life Insurance is based on the cash surrender value of the contracts. These contracts are based principally on a referenced pool of investment funds that actively redeem shares and are observable and measurable and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments, which are not recorded at fair value on the financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents – Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less. The carrying amount approximates fair value. Under the fair value hierarchy the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement. Restricted Cash – As part of Maine Water’s March 2015 bond offering, the Company recorded unused proceeds from this bond issuance as restricted cash as the funds can only be used for certain capital expenditures. The Company expects to use the remainder of the proceeds during 2015, as the approved capital expenditures are completed. The carrying amount approximates fair value. Under the fair value hierarchy the fair value of restricted cash is classified as a Level 1 measurement. Long-Term Debt – The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long-term debt is based upon borrowing rates currently available to the Company. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $191,086,000 and $189,942,000 , respectively, as compared to the carrying amounts of $176,679,000 and $176,601,000 , respectively. The estimated fair value of long term debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that uses comparable interest rates and yield curve data based on the A-rated MMD (Municipal Market Data) Index which is a benchmark of current municipal bond yields. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of long term debt is classified as a Level 2 measurement. Advances for Construction – Customer advances for construction had a carrying amount of $23,195,000 and $26,718,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases. The fair values shown above have been reported to meet the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“FASB ASC 825”) and do not purport to represent the amounts at which those obligations would be settled.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company operates principally in three business segments: Water Activities, Real Estate Transactions, and Services and Rentals. Financial data for the segments is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2015 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Activities $ 28,920 $ 9,337 $ 1,229 $ 8,108 Real Estate Transactions 6 (9 ) (360 ) 351 Services and Rentals 1,573 479 183 296 Total $ 30,499 $ 9,807 $ 1,052 $ 8,755 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Activities $ 27,895 $ 10,054 $ 1,988 $ 8,066 Real Estate Transactions 7 7 3 4 Services and Rentals 1,503 634 256 378 Total $ 29,405 $ 10,695 $ 2,247 $ 8,448 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Activities $ 76,227 $ 19,722 $ 580 $ 19,142 Real Estate Transactions 6 (9 ) (360 ) 351 Services and Rentals 4,398 1,674 634 1,040 Total $ 80,631 $ 21,387 $ 854 $ 20,533 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Activities $ 74,325 $ 21,809 $ 4,098 $ 17,711 Real Estate Transactions 7 7 3 4 Services and Rentals 4,391 1,999 790 1,209 Total $ 78,723 $ 23,815 $ 4,891 $ 18,924 The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $28,444,000 and $27,554,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $476,000 and $341,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The revenues from water customers for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 include $1,111,000 and $1,678,000 in additional revenues related to the implementation of the WRA, respectively. The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $75,098,000 and $73,273,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $1,129,000 and $1,052,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The revenues from water customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 include $3,574,000 and $4,471,000 in additional revenues related to the implementation of the WRA, respectively. The Company owns various small, discrete parcels of land that are no longer required for water supply purposes. From time to time, the Company may sell or donate these parcels, depending on various factors, including the current market for land, the amount of tax benefits received for donations and the Company’s ability to use any benefits received from donations. Assets by segment (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Total Plant and Other Investments: Water Activities $ 536,325 $ 514,606 Non-Water 632 605 536,957 515,211 Other Assets: Water Activities 172,652 152,929 Non-Water 832 3,049 173,484 155,978 Total Assets $ 710,441 $ 671,189

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes (“FASB ASC 740”) addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under FASB ASC 740, the Company must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. On June 11, 2013, the Company was notified by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that its state tax filings for the years 2009 through 2011 would be reviewed beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013. On March 24, 2015, the Company was notified by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that the audit was expanded to include the 2012 and 2013 tax years. The State focused its review on tax credits associated with fixed capital investment. The Company and the State have come to an agreement regarding investments eligible for the credit. The closing agreement was executed on May 4, 2015. The Company had previously recorded a provision for the possible disallowance of these credits and, therefore, there was minimal impact in 2015. On the 2012 Federal tax return, filed in September 2013, Connecticut Water filed a change in accounting method to adopt the IRS’ temporary tangible property regulations. This method change allowed the Company to take a current year deduction for expenses that were previously capitalized for tax purposes. Since the filing of the 2012 tax return, the IRS has issued final regulations. On February 11, 2014, the Company was notified by the IRS that its Federal tax filing for 2012 would be reviewed. This review, which began in the first quarter of 2014 and was completed in the first quarter of 2015, resulted in no change to the tax liability. Since the Company had previously recorded a provision for the possible disallowance of the repair deduction in prior periods, the completion of the audit resulted in the reversal of the reserves in the amount of $1,185,000. While the Company maintains the belief that the deduction taken on its tax return is appropriate, the methodology for determining the deduction has not been agreed to by the taxing authorities. On the 2013 Federal tax return, filed in September 2014, Maine Water filed the same change in accounting method. Through September 30, 2015 , the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $5.3 million for a portion of the benefit that is not being returned to customers resulting from any possible future tax authority challenge. From time to time, the Company may be assessed interest and penalties by taxing authorities. In those cases, the charges would appear on the Other line item within the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no such charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Additionally, there were no accruals relating to interest or penalties as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The Company remains subject to examination by federal tax authorities for the 2013 and 2014 tax years; the State of Maine’s tax authorities for the 2012 through 2014 tax years; and the State of Connecticut’s tax authorities for the 2014 tax year. The Company is currently engaged in an analysis to determine the amount of expenditures related to tangible property that will be reflected on its 2015 Federal Tax Return to be filed in September 2016. As a result, through the third quarter of 2015, the Company has estimated the portion of its infrastructure investment that will qualify as a repair deduction for 2015 and has reflected that deduction in its effective tax rate at 75%, which is consistent with prior periods, of the expected $16 million of infrastructure improvement, net of any reserves. Consistent with other differences between book and tax expenditures, the Company is required to use the flow-through method to account for any timing differences not required by the IRS to be normalized. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 10.7% and 21.0% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate, excluding discrete items recorded during the quarter, was 8.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 . These discrete items include adjustments related to the provisions for the repair deduction in both Connecticut and Maine and a change in estimate of prior year tax expense. The blended Federal and State statutory income tax rates during each period were 41% . In determining its annual estimated effective tax rate for interim periods, the Company reflects its estimated permanent and flow-through tax differences for the taxable year, including the basis difference for the adoption of the tangible property regulations. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 4.0% and 20.5% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate, excluding discrete items, was 10.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . These discrete items include adjustments related to the provisions for the repair deduction, change in estimate of prior year tax expense, and a credit of approximately $931,000 associated with the 2014 tax benefits being recognized as a result of the MPUC approval of a settlement agreement. The blended Federal and State statutory income tax rates during each period were 41% . In determining its annual estimated effective tax rate for interim periods, the Company reflects its estimated permanent and flow-through tax differences for the taxable year, including the basis difference for the adoption of the tangible property regulations.

Lines of Credit

Lines of Credit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Lines of Credit	Lines of Credit The Company maintains a $15.0 million line of credit agreement with CoBank, that is currently scheduled to expire on July 1, 2020 . The Company maintains an additional line of credit of $20.0 million with RBS Citizens, N.A., with an expiration date of June 30, 2017 . As of September 30, 2015 , the total lines of credit available to the Company were $35.0 million . As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had $11.4 million and $2.0 million , respectively, of Interim Bank Loans Payable. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had $23.6 million in unused lines of credit. Interest expense charged on lines of credit will fluctuate based on market interest rates.

Pension and Other Post-Retire21

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months Period ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service Cost $ 538 $ 395 $ 1,614 $ 1,371 Interest Cost 778 789 2,335 2,315 Expected Return on Plan Assets (961 ) (896 ) (2,885 ) (2,674 ) Amortization of: Prior Service Cost 4 19 12 55 Net Recognized Loss 744 443 2,234 989 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 1,103 $ 750 $ 3,310 $ 2,056
schedule of post retirement benefits other than pension costs [Table Text Block]	Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (PBOP) Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months Period ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service Cost $ 114 $ 63 $ 343 $ 371 Interest Cost 141 150 423 470 Expected Return on Plan Assets (81 ) (75 ) (243 ) (229 ) Other 57 57 169 169 Amortization of: Prior Service Credit (142 ) (203 ) (428 ) (605 ) Recognized Net Loss 97 120 290 256 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 186 $ 112 $ 554 $ 432

Earnings per Share Earnings per

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Earnings per weighted average common share are calculated by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods as detailed below (diluted shares include the effect of stock awards): Three months ended September 30, 2015 2014 Common Shares Outstanding End of Period: 11,180,146 11,111,444 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 10,970,107 10,901,934 Diluted 11,170,813 11,101,610 Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.80 $ 0.78 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.79 $ 0.76 Nine months ended September 30, Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 10,950,837 10,885,988 Diluted 11,157,400 11,082,812 Basic Earnings per Share $ 1.87 $ 1.74 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.03 ) (0.04 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.84 $ 1.70

Accumulated Other Comprehensi23

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2015 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 250 $ (1,832 ) $ (1,582 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification (71 ) 1 (70 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI — 48 48 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (71 ) 49 (22 ) Ending Balance $ 179 $ (1,783 ) $ (1,604 ) Three months ended September 30, 2014 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 297 $ (252 ) $ 45 Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification (14 ) — (14 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI — 14 14 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (14 ) 14 — Ending Balance $ 283 $ (238 ) $ 45 (a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss. The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 298 $ (1,901 ) $ (1,603 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Before Reclassification (194 ) (64 ) (258 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 75 182 257 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (119 ) 118 (1 ) Ending Balance $ 179 $ (1,783 ) $ (1,604 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 259 $ (374 ) $ (115 ) Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification 13 — 13 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 11 136 147 Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income 24 136 160 Ending Balance $ 283 $ (238 ) $ 45 (a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss. The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2015(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2014(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ — $ — Other Income Tax expense — — Other Income — — Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 79 75 Other Income (b) Tax expense (31 ) (61 ) Other Income 48 14 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 48 $ 14 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense. (b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details). The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ 128 $ 18 Other Income Tax expense (53 ) (7 ) Other Income 75 11 Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 275 223 Other Income (b) Tax expense (93 ) (87 ) Other Income 182 136 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 257 $ 147 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense. (b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Connecticut Water Service, Inc.: 4.09% Term Loan Note $ 14,724 $ 15,466 The Connecticut Water Company: Var. 2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029 12,500 12,500 Var. 2004 Series A, Due 2028 5,000 5,000 Var. 2004 Series B, Due 2028 4,550 4,550 5.10% 2009 A Series, Due 2039 19,930 19,950 5.00% 2011 A Series, Due 2021 23,349 23,483 3.16% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 8,000 8,000 3.51% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022 14,795 14,795 4.29% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028 17,020 17,020 4.72% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032 14,795 14,795 4.75% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 14,550 14,550 Total The Connecticut Water Company 134,489 134,643 The Maine Water Company: 8.95% 1994 Series G, Due 2024 9,000 9,000 2.68% 1999 Series J, Due 2019 339 424 0.00% 2001 Series K, Due 2031 656 698 2.58% 2002 Series L, Due 2022 75 83 1.53% 2003 Series M, Due 2023 361 381 1.73% 2004 Series N, Due 2024 401 431 0.00% 2004 Series O, Due 2034 127 133 1.76% 2006 Series P, Due 2026 411 431 1.57% 2009 Series R, Due 2029 227 237 0.00% 2009 Series S, Due 2029 628 672 0.00% 2009 Series T, Due 2029 1,760 1,886 0.00% 2012 Series U, Due 2042 160 165 1.00% 2013 Series V, Due 2033 1,360 1,385 2.52% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 1,965 1,965 4.24% CoBank Note Payable, Due 2024 4,500 4,500 7.72% BSWC Series L, Due 2018 2,250 2,250 2.40% BSWC Series N, Due 2022 1,176 1,251 1.86% BSWC Series O, Due 2025 830 846 2.23% BSWC Series P, Due 2028 1,324 1,354 0.01% BSWC Series Q, Due 2035 1,864 — Various Various Capital Leases 22 37 Total The Maine Water Company 29,436 28,129 Add: Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment 627 820 Less: Current Portion (2,597 ) (2,457 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 176,679 $ 176,601

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Val

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Company Owned Life Insurance $ — $ 2,847 $ — $ 2,847 Money Market Fund 66 — — 66 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,425 — — 1,425 Fixed Income Funds (2) 513 — — 513 Total $ 2,004 $ 2,847 $ — $ 4,851 The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Company Owned Life Insurance $ — $ 2,977 $ — $ 2,977 Money Market Fund 166 — — 166 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,790 — — 1,790 Total $ 1,956 $ 2,977 $ — $ 4,933 (1) Mutual funds consist primarily of equity securities and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segment Reporting Segment Repor

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Financial data for the segments is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2015 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Activities $ 28,920 $ 9,337 $ 1,229 $ 8,108 Real Estate Transactions 6 (9 ) (360 ) 351 Services and Rentals 1,573 479 183 296 Total $ 30,499 $ 9,807 $ 1,052 $ 8,755 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Activities $ 27,895 $ 10,054 $ 1,988 $ 8,066 Real Estate Transactions 7 7 3 4 Services and Rentals 1,503 634 256 378 Total $ 29,405 $ 10,695 $ 2,247 $ 8,448 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Activities $ 76,227 $ 19,722 $ 580 $ 19,142 Real Estate Transactions 6 (9 ) (360 ) 351 Services and Rentals 4,398 1,674 634 1,040 Total $ 80,631 $ 21,387 $ 854 $ 20,533 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Activities $ 74,325 $ 21,809 $ 4,098 $ 17,711 Real Estate Transactions 7 7 3 4 Services and Rentals 4,391 1,999 790 1,209 Total $ 78,723 $ 23,815 $ 4,891 $ 18,924
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Assets by segment (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Total Plant and Other Investments: Water Activities $ 536,325 $ 514,606 Non-Water 632 605 536,957 515,211 Other Assets: Water Activities 172,652 152,929 Non-Water 832 3,049 173,484 155,978 Total Assets $ 710,441 $ 671,189

Basis of Preparation of Finan27

Basis of Preparation of Financials In text details (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015Rate
Maine Water Company [Member]
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	9.50%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.96%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member]
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	9.75%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.32%

Pension and Other Post-Retire28

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Pension Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 538	$ 395	$ 1,614	$ 1,371
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	778	789	2,335	2,315
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(961)	(896)	(2,885)	(2,674)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	4	19	12	55
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	744	443	2,234	989
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	1,103	750	3,310	2,056
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	114	63	343	371
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	141	150	423	470
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(81)	(75)	(243)	(229)
Defined benefit plan amortization of regulatory assets	57	57	169	169
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(142)	(203)	(428)	(605)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	97	120	290	256
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 186	$ 112	$ 554	$ 432

Earnings per Share Earnings p29

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,180,146	11,111,444	11,180,146	11,111,444	11,124,630
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,970,107	10,901,934	10,950,837	10,885,988
Diluted (in shares)	11,170,813	11,101,610	11,157,400	11,082,812
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.78	$ 1.87	$ 1.74
Incremental Common Shares Attributal To Share Based Payements Arrangements	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.03)	(0.04)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.79	$ 0.76	$ 1.84	$ 1.70

Earnings per Share EPS in Text

Earnings per Share EPS in Text Tagging (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 5 months 10 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 1

Accumulated Other Comprehensi31

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tables [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 128	$ 18
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	0	0	(53)	(7)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(1,604)	45	(1,604)	45	$ (1,582)	$ (1,603)	$ 45	$ (115)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	0	75	11
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax	79	75	275	223
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	(31)	(61)	(93)	(87)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	179	283	179	283	250	298	297
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	(1,783)	(238)	(1,783)	(238)	$ (1,832)	$ (1,901)	$ (252)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	(71)	(14)	(194)	13
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	1	0	(64)	0
Total Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification, Net of Tax	(70)	(14)	(258)	13
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	48	14	182	136
Total Amounts Reclassified From AOCI, Net of Tax	48	14	257	147
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	(71)	(14)	(119)	24
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	49	14	118	136
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ (22)	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 160

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt32

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 176,679	$ 176,601
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(2,597)	(2,457)
Long-term Debt	176,679	176,601
Parent [Member] | Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,724	15,466
The Connecticut Water Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(134,489)	(134,643)
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series Issued 2004, Due 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	12,500	12,500
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2004 Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	5,000	5,000
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series B Issued 2004 Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	4,550	4,550
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2009, Due 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	19,930	19,950
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	8,000	8,000
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,795	14,795
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2011 Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	23,349	23,483
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	17,020	17,020
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2032 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,795	14,795
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,550	14,550
Maine Water Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(29,436)	(28,129)
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series G [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	9,000	9,000
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series J [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	339	424
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series K [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	656	698
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series L [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	75	83
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series M [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	361	381
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series N [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	401	431
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series O [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	127	133
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series P [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	411	431
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series R [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	227	237
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series S [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	628	672
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series T [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,760	1,886
Maine Water Company [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment of Long-Term Debt Assume [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	627	820
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2012 Series U, Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	160	165
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2013 Series V, Due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,360	1,385
Maine Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(1,965)	(1,965)
Maine Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(4,500)	(4,500)
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series L, Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	2,250	2,250
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series N, Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,176	1,251
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	830	846
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series P, Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,324	1,354
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series Q, Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(1,864)	0
Maine Water Company [Member] | Long Term Capital Leases [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 22	$ 37

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt P

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Parenthetical (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Parent [Member] | Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.09%	4.09%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2009, Due 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.10%	5.10%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2011 Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%	5.00%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.16%	3.16%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.51%	3.51%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.29%	4.29%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2032 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.72%	4.72%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%	4.75%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series G [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.95%	8.95%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series J [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.68%	2.68%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series K [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series L [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.58%	2.58%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series M [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.53%	1.53%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series N [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.73%	1.73%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series O [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series P [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.76%	1.76%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series R [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.57%	1.57%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series S [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series T [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2012 Series U, Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2013 Series V, Due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.00%	3.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series L, Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.72%	7.72%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series N, Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.40%	2.40%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.86%	1.86%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series P, Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.23%	2.23%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series Q, Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.01%	0.01%

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt i

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt in Text (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$ 2,597,000	$ 2,457,000
Monetary Limit of Deceased Bond Holders Redemption per Year	$ 25,000
Percent Limit of Deceased Bond Holders Redemption per Year	3.00%

Fair Value Disclosures Fair V35

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 4,851	$ 4,933
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,004	1,956
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,847	2,977
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash Surrender Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,847	2,977
Cash Surrender Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash Surrender Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,847	2,977
Cash Surrender Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	66	166
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	66	166
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,425	1,790
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,425	1,790
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	$ 0
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	513
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	513
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures In Text

Fair Value Disclosures In Text Tagging (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 191,086	$ 189,942
Long-term Debt	176,679	176,601
Advances for Construction	$ 23,195	$ 26,718

Segment Reporting Segment Rep37

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 30,499	$ 29,405	$ 80,631	$ 78,723
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	9,807	10,695	21,387	23,815
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	1,052	2,247	854	4,891
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	8,755	8,448	20,533	18,924
Water Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	28,920	27,895	76,227	74,325
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	9,337	10,054	19,722	21,809
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	1,229	1,988	580	4,098
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	8,108	8,066	19,142	17,711
Real Estate Transactions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6	7	6	7
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	(9)	7	(9)	7
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	(360)	3	(360)	3
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	351	4	351	4
Services and Rentals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,573	1,503	4,398	4,391
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	479	634	1,674	1,999
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	183	256	634	790
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 296	$ 378	$ 1,040	$ 1,209

Segment Reporting Segment Rep38

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Textual Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$ 28,444,000	$ 27,554,000	$ 75,098,000	$ 73,273,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	476,000	341,000	1,129,000	1,052,000
Water Revenue Adjustment	$ 1,111,000	$ 1,678,000	$ 3,574,000	$ 4,471,000

Segment Reporting Assets by Seg

Segment Reporting Assets by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Plant and Other Investments	$ 536,957	$ 515,211
Other Assets	173,484	155,978
Assets	710,441	671,189
Water Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Plant and Other Investments	536,325	514,606
Other Assets	172,652	152,929
Services and Rentals and Real Estate Combine [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Plant and Other Investments	632	605
Other Assets	$ 832	$ 3,049

Income Tax Expense Income Tax E

Income Tax Expense Income Tax Expense (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015Rate	Sep. 30, 2014Rate	Sep. 30, 2015Rate	Sep. 30, 2014Rate
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	10.70%	21.00%	4.00%	20.50%
Effective Tax Rate Excluding Reserve Against Fixed Capital Investment Credits Claimed in Prior Years	8.30%		10.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	41.00%		41.00%

Lines of Credit Lines of Credit

Lines of Credit Lines of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000
Interim Bank Loans Payable	11,442	$ 1,991
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	23,600
CTWS Line of Credit A [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	15,000
CTWS Line of Credit B [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000