Connecticut Water Service (CTWS) 10-Q 8 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017shares
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, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	12,068,299

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Utility Plant	$ 905,437	$ 777,860
Construction Work in Progress	15,882	33,748
Gross Utility Plant	921,319	811,608
Accumulated Provision for Depreciation	(237,581)	(210,212)
Net Utility Plant	683,738	601,396
Other Property and Investments	10,324	9,071
Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,274	1,564
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance, 2017 - $1,223; 2016 - $1,100)	15,642	13,024
Accrued Unbilled Revenues	9,906	8,171
Materials and Supplies	1,842	1,536
Prepayments and Other Current Assets	11,485	5,069
Total Current Assets	47,149	29,364
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset	107,911	93,264
Pension Benefits - Regulatory Asset	11,025	12,266
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension - Regulatory Asset	86	265
Goodwill	66,979	30,427
Deferred Charges and Other Costs	12,164	8,449
Total Regulatory and Other Long-Term Assets	198,165	144,671
Total Assets	939,376	784,502
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Common Stock Without Par Value: Authorized - 25,000,000 Shares - Issued and Outstanding: 2017 - 11,12,068,299; 2016 - 11,248,458	190,975	145,739
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	104,091	91,213
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(661)	(924)
Common Stockholders' Equity	294,405	236,028
Preferred Stock	772	772
Long-Term Debt	255,193	197,047
Total Capitalization	550,370	433,847
Debt, Current	7,950	4,859
Interim Bank Loans Payable	18,547	32,953
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	8,585	13,116
Accrued Interest	1,564	1,012
Customer Refund Liability, Current	145	855
Other Current Liabilities	3,044	2,330
Total Current Liabilities	39,835	55,125
Advances for Construction	20,783	19,127
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes	54,081	50,558
Unfunded Future Income Taxes	106,160	90,977
Long-Term Compensation Arrangements	32,343	33,540
Unamortized Investment Tax Credits	1,153	1,189
Refund to Customers - Regulatory Liability	0	108
Other Long-Term Liabilities	4,704	5,074
Total Long-Term Liabilities	219,224	200,573
Contributions in Aid of Construction	129,947	94,957
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$ 939,376	$ 784,502

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ / shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Issued	12,068,299	11,248,458
Outstanding	12,068,299	11,248,458
ASSETS
Allowance	$ 1,223	$ 1,100
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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Expenses
Operation and Maintenance	$ 12,133	$ 11,495	$ 34,995	$ 31,624
Depreciation	4,283	3,449	11,959	10,206
Income Taxes	235	1,219	(579)	2,201
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	2,822	2,535	7,904	7,222
Total Operating Expenses	19,473	18,698	54,279	51,253
Net Operating Revenues	31,797	29,477	82,162	77,084
Net Regulated Operating Revenue	12,324	10,779	27,883	25,831
Other Utility Income, Net of Taxes	264	160	619	503
Total Utility Operating Income	12,588	10,939	28,502	26,334
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Oil and Gas and Timber Property	0	2	33	2
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
Non-Water Sales Earnings	252	181	842	982
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	101	330	668	851
Other	187	(136)	(566)	(451)
Total Other Income, Net of Taxes	540	377	977	1,384
Interest and Debt Expense
Interest on Long-Term Debt	2,230	2,064	6,397	5,630
Interest Income (Expense), Net	150	(315)	(221)	(631)
Amortization of Debt Expense	32	32	101	93
Total Interest and Debt Expense	2,412	1,781	6,277	5,092
Net Income	10,716	9,535	23,202	22,626
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement	10	10	29	29
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock	$ 10,706	$ 9,525	$ 23,173	$ 22,597
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	11,816,553	11,014,002	11,435,545	11,003,644
Diluted (in shares)	12,041,432	11,233,375	11,660,674	11,222,588
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.92	$ 0.86	$ 2.03	$ 2.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.90	0.84	1.99	2.01
Dividends Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2975	$ 0.2825	$ 0.8775	$ 0.8325

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Income	$ 10,716	$ 9,535	$ 23,202	$ 22,626
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension, net of tax (expense) of $(31) and $(25) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $(91) and $(75) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2017, respectively	48	39	144	117
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax (expense) of $(17) and $(29) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $(76) and $(21) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2017, respectively	26	46	119	33
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	74	85	263	150
Comprehensive Income	$ 10,790	$ 9,620	$ 23,465	$ 22,776

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Plans, net of tax (expense) benefit of	$ (30)	$ (25)	$ (91)	$ (75)
Unrealized Investment loss, net of tax expense of	$ (17)	$ (29)	$ (76)	$ (21)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 96,975	$ 87,284	$ 91,213	$ 80,378
Net Income	10,716	9,535	23,202	22,626
Retained Earnings before Dividends	107,691	96,819	114,415	103,004
Dividends Declared:
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.60 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	10	10	29	29
Common Stock - $0.2975 per share and $0.2825 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.8775 per share and $0.8325 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	3,590	3,173	10,295	9,339
Total Dividends Declared	3,600	3,183	10,324	9,368
Balance at End of Period	104,091	93,636	104,091	93,636
Series A Voting
Dividends Declared:
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.60 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 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, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.60 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	$ 7	$ 7	$ 20	$ 20

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RET8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Dividends Declared:
Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2975	$ 0.2825	$ 0.8775	$ 0.8325
Cumulative Preferred Stock
Dividends Declared:
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	0.225	0.225	0.675	0.675
Series A Voting
Dividends Declared:
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.60	$ 0.60

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Proceeds from Sale of Land Held-for-investment	$ 212	$ 9
Net Additions to Utility Plant Used in Continuing Operations	36,986	47,470
Cash portion of The Avon Water Company Acquisition	6,134	0
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	1,791	0
Operating Activities:
Net Income	23,202	22,626
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Deferred Revenues	(5,283)	(2,688)
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits, Net	406	3,244
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	(668)	(851)
Depreciation (including $593 and $744 in 2017 and 2016, respectively, charged to other accounts)	12,552	10,950
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	33	2
Change in Assets and Liabilities:
Increase in Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues	(3,155)	(4,699)
Increase in Prepayments and Other Current Assets	(6,038)	(4,270)
(Increase) Decrease in Other Non-Current Items	1,675	(2,908)
Increase in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	(2,760)	(511)
Total Adjustments	(3,304)	(1,735)
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities	19,898	20,891
Investing Activities:
Release of restricted cash	0	846
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Used in Investing Activities	(41,117)	(46,615)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Interim Bank Loans	16,047	21,837
Repayment of Interim Bank Loans	(32,953)	(16,085)
Proceeds from the Issuance of Long-Term Debt	55,000	49,930
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	1,044	1,232
Costs to Issue Long-Term Debt and Common Stock	(2)	(88)
Repayment of Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion	(1,866)	(21,608)
Advances from Others for Construction	983	301
Cash Dividends Paid	(10,324)	(9,368)
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	27,929	26,151
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	6,710	427
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	1,564	731
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	8,274	1,158
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Non-Cash Contributed Utility Plant	2,349	1,045
Cash Paid for:
Interest	5,669	4,410
State and Federal Income Taxes	$ 392	$ 295

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA10

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation charged to other accounts	$ 593	$ 744

Basis of Preparation of Financi

Basis of Preparation of Financials	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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. (“CTWS” or 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”), The Heritage Village Water Company (“HVWC”) and The Avon Water Company (“Avon Water”) in the State of Connecticut and The Maine Water Company (“Maine Water”) in the State of Maine. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the “10-K”) and as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Forms 10-Q for the periods ending March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017. 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. Effective February 27, 2017 and July 1, 2017, the Company acquired HVWC and Avon Water, respectively, discussed further in Note 11 below. As a result, the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016 , the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 do not include HVWC or Avon Water. The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements Retained Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 do include HVWC’s and Avon Water’s results for the periods the Company owned HVWC and Avon Water. HVWC’s and Avon Water’s assets and liabilities are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2017 . As noted in Note 11 below, HVWC serves approximately 4,700 water customers in the Towns of Southbury, Middlebury, and Oxford, Connecticut and approximately 3,000 wastewater customers in the Town of Southbury, Connecticut. The results of the wastewater line of business are included in the Company’s Water Operations segment. Additionally, as noted in Note 11, Avon Water serves approximately 4,800 water customers in the Towns of Avon, Farmington, and Simsbury, Connecticut. During the preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the Company identified two errors related to the accounting treatment of stock based performance awards granted to officers of the Company. First, the Company had mistakenly classified all stock based performance awards as equity awards and, secondly, incorrectly marked those awards to the market price of the Company’s common stock price at the end of each reporting period. A portion of these awards should have been classified as liability awards and only those awards should have been marked-to-market based on the Company’s common stock price. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company reversed all of the incorrectly recorded mark-to-market expense as a cumulative out-of-period adjustment resulting in a one-time benefit of approximately $2.6 million on the Operation and Maintenance line item on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Approximately $1.6 million of the out of period adjustment pertained to years prior to 2016, with the remaining $1.0 million related to the first quarter of 2016. Additionally, the Company decreased its Common Stock Without Par Value and increased its Long-Term Compensation Arrangement line items on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016 by approximately $0.6 million to reflect both the awards that should have been classified as liability awards and their corresponding mark-to-market adjustments. 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, 2017 , were 9.75% and 7.32% , respectively. HVWC’s blended water and wastewater allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective September 30, 2017 , were 10.10% and 7.19% , respectively. Avon Water’s allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective September 30, 2017 , were 10.00% and 7.79% , respectively. Maine Water’s average allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective September 30, 2017 , 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. Each of Connecticut Water, HVWC, Avon Water and Maine Water are allowed to add surcharges to customers’ bills in order to recover certain costs associated with approved capital projects in between full rate cases, as well as approved surcharges for Water Revenue Adjustments, in Connecticut, as discussed in more detail below. HVWC has not added surcharges to customers’ bills in order to recover certain approved capital projects as of September 30, 2017, however, HVWC, as authorized by PURA, began to utilize Water Revenue Adjustments as of March 31, 2017. Maine Water Land Sale On March 11, 2016, Maine Water entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the Coastal Mountains Land Trust, a Maine nonprofit corporation (the “Land Trust”) pursuant to which Maine Water agreed to sell two conservation easements to the Land Trust on approximately 1,300 acres of land located in the towns of Rockport, Camden and Hope, in Knox County, Maine valued in the aggregate at $3.1 million. The land had a book value of approximately $600,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and is included in “Utility Plant” on the Company’s “Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets”. The easements and purchase prices are as follows: 1. Ragged Mountain Mirror Lake Conservation Easement: $1,875,000; and 2. Grassy Pond Conservation Easement: $600,000. On October 13, 2017, an amendment to the agreement was made to extend closing of the first transaction to June 30, 2018, from December 31, 2017. This is also expected to extend the second closing into 2020. Maine Water will make a $200,000 contribution to the Land Trust upon completion of the closing of the first easement sale. Maine Water also expects to claim a charitable deduction for the $600,000 in excess of the fair market value of the second easement over the $600,000 sale price. Connecticut Rates Connecticut Water’s Water Infrastructure Conservation Adjustment (“WICA”) was 8.25% and 3.04% at September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. On July 26, 2017, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.56% surcharge to customers’ bills, representing approximately $8.2 million in WICA related projects. On September 20, 2017, PURA approved the Company’s filing. Effective October 1, 2017, Connecticut Water’s cumulative WICA surcharge was 9.81%. As of September 30, 2017 , Avon Water’s WICA surcharge was 8.09%. As of September 30, 2017 , HVWC has not filed for a WICA surcharge. Since 2013, Connecticut law has 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, projects eligible for WICA surcharges were expanded to include energy conservation projects, improvements required to comply with streamflow regulations, and improvements to acquired systems. Connecticut Water and HVWC’s allowed revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , as approved by PURA during each company’s most recent general rate case and including subsequently approved WICA surcharges, are approximately $62.3 million. Through normal billing for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , revenue for Connecticut Water and HVWC would have been approximately $56.8 million had the WRA not been implemented. As a result of the implementation of the WRA, Connecticut Water and HVWC recorded $5.5 million in additional revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Avon Water does not currently use the WRA mechanism. Maine Rates In Maine, the overall, cumulative Water Infrastructure Charge (“WISC”) for all divisions was 6.47% and 4.08% as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. On June 29, 2017, Maine Water filed for a rate increase in its Biddeford and Saco division. The rate request is for an approximate $1.6 million, or 25.1%, increase in revenues. The rate request is to recover higher operating expenses, depreciation and property taxes since Biddeford and Saco’s last rate increase in 2015. The Company expects a final decision to be issued by the MPUC in the fourth quarter of 2017 with new rates to be effective as of December 1, 2017. A water revenue adjustment mechanism law in Maine became available to regulated water utilities in Maine on October 15, 2015. Maine Water is currently precluded from seeking new rates outside of the Biddeford and Saco division due to various agreements with the MPUC, but is evaluating how and when this new mechanism can be implemented in the future.

Pension and Other Post-Retireme

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 . Pension Benefits Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months Period ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 482 $ 474 $ 1,446 $ 1,421 Interest Cost 800 803 2,400 2,409 Expected Return on Plan Assets (1,073 ) (1,020 ) (3,218 ) (3,060 ) Amortization of: Prior Service Cost 4 4 12 12 Net Recognized Loss 517 512 1,548 1,537 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 730 $ 773 $ 2,188 $ 2,319 The Company made a total contribution of approximately $2,971,000 in 2017 for the 2016 plan year during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (PBOP) Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months Period ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 85 $ 94 $ 252 $ 282 Interest Cost 128 135 384 406 Expected Return on Plan Assets (89 ) (86 ) (266 ) (256 ) Other 57 57 169 169 Amortization of: Prior Service Credit (46 ) (100 ) (136 ) (300 ) Recognized Net (Gain) Loss (20 ) 8 (60 ) 27 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 115 $ 108 $ 343 $ 328

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Common Shares Outstanding End of Period 12,068,299 11,240,417 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 11,816,553 11,014,002 Diluted 12,041,432 11,233,375 Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.92 $ 0.86 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.02 ) (0.02 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.90 $ 0.84 Nine months ended September 30, Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 11,435,545 11,003,644 Diluted 11,660,674 11,222,588 Basic Earnings per Share $ 2.03 $ 2.05 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.04 ) (0.04 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.99 $ 2.01 Total unrecognized compensation expense for all stock awards was approximately $0.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years .

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“No. 2014-09”) which amends its guidance related to revenue recognition. ASU No. 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 No. 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 No. 2014-09, making ASU No. 2014-09 effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has been engaged in a project to analyze the impact that adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements, disclosures, and internal controls. The project includes identification of the Company’s revenue streams, creation of an inventory of its contracts with customers, evaluation of a representative sample of these contracts with respect to the new guidance and documentation of any required changes in reporting. The Company derives more than 90% of its revenue from regulated delivery of water to its retail customers. The majority of the remainder of the Company’s revenue is derived from contract operations and unregulated revenues generated from its Linebacker program. Certain of the identified revenue streams are judgmental in nature. The Company has determined that revenue generated from the attachment of telecommunications equipment to its facilities through leases with third parties is outside the scope of the new guidance. In 2017, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) power and utility entities revenue recognition task force has determined that contributions in aid of construction are not in the scope of the new standard, and submitted its determination to the AICPA’s revenue recognition working group for approval. The Company does not believe that the impact of adoption of the new guidance will result in a material change in the measurement and timing of recognition of its revenues based on our current interpretations of the new guidance. The Company’s assessments are preliminary and subject to change pending completion of its review of the guidance and its impact on the Company’s contracts with customers. The Company has not made a final decision on the transition method, but currently anticipates using the modified retrospective approach when it implements the new guidance on January 1, 2018. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” (“ASU No. 2015-11”) 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 uses average cost to value its inventory and, therefore, ASU No. 2015-11 did not have an impact on the Company. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, (“ASU No. 2016-02”), which will require lessees to recognize the following for all leases at the commencement date of a lease: a) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and b) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Public business entities should apply the amendments in ASU No. 2016-02 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all public business entities and all nonpublic business entities upon issuance. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. 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 August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU No. 2016-15”). The amendments ASU No. 2016-15 clarify the classification for eight different types of activities, including debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, proceeds from insurance claims and distributions from equity method investees. For public business entities, ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our consolidated financial position or results of operation. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost," (“ASU 2017-07”) which amends the requirements related to the income statement presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost for employer sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Under ASU 2017-07, an entity must disaggregate and present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period, and only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization. Other components of net periodic benefit cost will be presented separately from the line item that includes the service cost. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted at the beginning of an annual period in which the financial statements have not been issued. Entities must use a retrospective transition method to adopt the requirement for separate presentation of the income statement service cost and other components, and a prospective transition method to adopt the requirement to limit the capitalization of benefit cost to the service component. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 328 $ (1,063 ) $ (735 ) Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification (2 ) — (2 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 28 48 76 Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income 26 48 74 Ending Balance $ 354 $ (1,015 ) $ (661 ) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 187 $ (1,057 ) $ (870 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification 46 — 46 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI — 39 39 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 46 39 85 Ending Balance $ 233 $ (1,018 ) $ (785 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 235 $ (1,159 ) $ (924 ) Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification 83 — 83 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 36 144 180 Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income 119 144 263 Ending Balance $ 354 $ (1,015 ) $ (661 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 200 $ (1,135 ) $ (935 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification 23 — 23 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 10 117 127 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 33 117 150 Ending Balance $ 233 $ (1,018 ) $ (785 ) (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, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2017(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2016(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ 47 $ — Other Income Tax expense (19 ) — Other Income 28 — Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 78 64 Other Income (b) Tax expense (30 ) (25 ) Other Income 48 39 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 76 $ 39 Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ 60 $ 17 Other Income Tax expense (24 ) (7 ) Other Income 36 10 Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 235 192 Other Income (b) Tax expense (91 ) (75 ) Other Income 144 117 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 180 $ 127 (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, 2017
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2017 2016 4.09% CTWS Term Loan Note $ 12,632 $ 13,437 4.15% CTWS CoBank Term Note Payable, Due 2037 15,000 — Total CTWS 27,632 13,437 Var. Connecticut Water 2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029 12,500 12,500 Var. Connecticut Water 2004 Series A, Due 2028 5,000 5,000 Var. Connecticut Water 2004 Series B, Due 2028 4,550 4,550 5.00% Connecticut Water 2011 A Series, Due 2021 22,969 23,115 3.16% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 8,000 8,000 3.51% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022 14,795 14,795 4.29% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028 17,020 17,020 4.72% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032 14,795 14,795 4.75% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 14,550 14,550 4.36% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due May 2036 30,000 30,000 4.04% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due July 2036 19,930 19,930 3.53% Connecticut Water NY Life Senior Note, Due September 2037 35,000 — Total Connecticut Water 199,109 164,255 4.75% HVWC 2011 Farmington Bank Loan, Due 2034 4,504 — 3.05% Avon Water Mortgage Note Payable, due 2033 3,343 — 8.95% Maine Water 1994 Series G, Due 2024 7,200 7,200 2.68% Maine Water 1999 Series J, Due 2019 170 254 0.00% Maine Water 2001 Series K, Due 2031 574 615 2.58% Maine Water 2002 Series L, Due 2022 60 67 1.53% Maine Water 2003 Series M, Due 2023 321 341 1.73% Maine Water 2004 Series N, Due 2024 341 371 0.00% Maine Water 2004 Series O, Due 2034 113 120 1.76% Maine Water 2006 Series P, Due 2026 361 391 1.57% Maine Water 2009 Series R, Due 2029 207 217 0.00% Maine Water 2009 Series S, Due 2029 538 583 0.00% Maine Water 2009 Series T, Due 2029 1,509 1,634 0.00% Maine Water 2012 Series U, Due 2042 148 154 1.00% Maine Water 2013 Series V, Due 2033 1,310 1,335 2.52% Maine Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 1,965 1,965 4.24% Maine Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2024 4,500 4,500 4.18% Maine Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2026 5,000 — 7.72% Maine Water Series L, Due 2018 2,250 2,250 2.40% Maine Water Series N, Due 2022 1,026 1,101 1.86% Maine Water Series O, Due 2025 750 790 2.23% Maine Water Series P, Due 2028 1,264 1,294 0.01% Maine Water Series Q, Due 2035 1,678 1,771 1.00% Maine Water Series R, Due 2025 2,010 2,250 Various Maine Water Various Capital Leases 3 8 Total Maine Water 33,298 29,211 Add: Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment 196 321 Less: Current Portion (7,950 ) (4,859 ) Less: Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (4,939 ) (5,318 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 255,193 $ 197,047 There are no mandatory sinking fund payments required on Connecticut Water’s outstanding 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. In April 2016, Connecticut Water filed an application with PURA to issue promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of up to $49,930,000 with CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) under its existing Master Loan Agreement by and between Connecticut Water and CoBank dated October 29, 2012, in order for Connecticut Water to redeem its $19,930,000 2009A Series of outstanding Water Facility Revenue Bonds previously issued by the Connecticut Development Authority (the “2009A Bonds”) and to provide $30,000,000 to partially fund its ongoing construction program. On June 1, 2016, Connecticut Water issued $30,000,000, at 4.36%, in debt under its existing Master Loan Agreement with CoBank, with a maturity date of May 20, 2036. On July 7, 2016, Connecticut Water issued $19,930,000, at 4.04%, in debt under its existing Master Loan Agreement with CoBank, with a maturity date of July 7, 2036. Connecticut Water used the proceeds to immediately pay off the $19,930,000 2009A Series of outstanding Water Facility Revenue Bonds. On January 10, 2017, Maine Water executed and delivered to CoBank a new Promissory Note and Single Advance Term Loan Supplement, dated January 10, 2017 (the “Third Promissory Note”). On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Third Promissory Note issued pursuant to the Agreement, CoBank agreed to make an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) to Maine Water in the principal amount of $5,000,000 at 4.18%, due December 30, 2026. The proceeds of the Loan will be used to finance new capital expenditures and refinance existing debt owed to the Company, incurred in connection with general water system improvements. On August 28, 2017, the Company executed and delivered to CoBank a new Promissory Note and Supplement (2017 Single Advance Term Loan) (the “2017 Promissory Note”). On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the 2017 Promissory Note issued pursuant to the Company’s Master Loan Agreement, CoBank agreed to make a term loan (the “Loan”) to the Company in the principal amount of $15,000,000. Under the 2017 Promissory Note, the Company will pay interest on the Loan at a fixed rate of 4.15% per year through August 20, 2037, the maturity date of the Loan. On September 28, 2017, Connecticut Water completed the issuance of $35,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.53% unsecured Senior Notes due September 25, 2037 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of September 28, 2017 (the “Purchase Agreement”) between and among Connecticut Water, NYL Investors, LLC (“NY Life”), as agent, and the Purchasers listed in the Purchaser Schedule attached to the Purchase Agreement, in a private placement financing exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proceeds of the sale of the Senior Notes will be used by Connecticut Water to repay loans from the Company the proceeds of which were used for capital expenditure projects by Connecticut Water. The Senior Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.53% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 27 and September 27 of each year commencing on March 27, 2018. The principal amount of the Senior Notes, if not previously paid, shall be due on September 25, 2037. The Senior Notes are callable in whole or in part, subject to a make-whole amount. During the first nine months of 2017 , the Company paid approximately $805,000 related to Connecticut Water Service’s Term Note Payable issued as part of the 2012 acquisition of Maine Water, approximately $913,000 in sinking funds related to Maine Water’s outstanding bonds, approximately $95,000 in sinking funds related to HVWC’s bank loan and $53,000 related to Avon Water’s mortgage note payable. 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, 2017 .

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Money Market Fund $ 69 $ — $ — $ 69 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,991 — — 1,991 Fixed Income Funds (2) 642 — — 642 Total $ 2,702 $ — $ — $ 2,702 The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Money Market Fund $ 122 $ — $ — $ 122 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,662 — — 1,662 Fixed Income Funds (2) 534 — — 534 Total $ 2,318 $ — $ — $ 2,318 (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 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. Company Owned Life Insurance – 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The value of Company Owned Life Insurance at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $3,351,000 and $3,075,000 , respectively. 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $276,706,000 and $210,463,000 , respectively, as compared to the carrying amounts of $260,132,000 and $202,365,000 , 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 $20,783,000 and $19,127,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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, 2017
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company operates principally in three business segments: Water Operations, Real Estate Transactions, and Services and Rentals. Financial data for the segments is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Operations $ 32,252 $ 10,500 $ 36 $ 10,464 Real Estate Transactions — — — — Services and Rentals 1,256 465 213 252 Total $ 33,508 $ 10,965 $ 249 $ 10,716 Three months ended September 30, 2016 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Operations $ 29,791 $ 10,529 $ 1,177 $ 9,352 Real Estate Transactions 8 4 2 2 Services and Rentals 1,419 573 392 181 Total $ 31,218 $ 11,106 $ 1,571 $ 9,535 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Operations $ 83,258 $ 21,112 $ (1,215 ) $ 22,327 Real Estate Transactions 212 55 22 33 Services and Rentals 3,745 1,461 619 842 Total $ 87,215 $ 22,628 $ (574 ) $ 23,202 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Operations $ 78,022 $ 23,652 $ 2,010 $ 21,642 Real Estate Transactions 8 4 2 2 Services and Rentals 3,862 1,673 691 982 Total $ 81,892 $ 25,329 $ 2,703 $ 22,626 The revenues shown in Water Operations above consisted of revenues from water customers of $31,199,000 and $29,477,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and wastewater revenues of $598,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 . There were no wastewater revenues in 2016. Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $455,000 and $314,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The revenues from water and wastewater customers for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 include $1,989,000 and $81,000 in additional revenues related to the application of the WRA, respectively. The revenues shown in Water Operations above consisted of revenues from water customers of $80,843,000 and $77,084,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and wastewater revenues of $1,319,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . There were no wastewater revenues in 2016. Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $1,096,000 and $938,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The revenues from water and wastewater customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 include $5,542,000 and $2,867,000 in additional revenues related to the application 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, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Plant and Other Investments: Water Operations $ 693,037 $ 609,508 Non-Water 1,025 959 694,062 610,467 Other Assets: Water Operations 237,224 171,674 Non-Water 8,090 2,361 245,314 174,035 Total Assets $ 939,376 $ 784,502

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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. The Company adopted the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) temporary tangible property regulations on the Company’s 2012 Federal tax return. Since that time, the Company has been recording a provision for any possible disallowance of a portion of the repair deduction if the deductions were unable to be sustained on audit by the IRS. While the Company believes that the deductions taken on its tax returns are appropriate, the methodology for determining the deduction has not been agreed to by the taxing authorities. During the Company’s review of the position through the quarter ended March 31, 2017, new information caused management to reassess the previously recorded provision. This reassessment resulted in the reversal of a portion of the provision related to the Maine subsidiary, in the amount of $1,164,000 in the first quarter of 2017. During the Company’s review of its position through the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the impact of new information on Connecticut Water caused management to reassess the previously recorded provision. The reassessment resulted in the reversal of a portion of the provision in the amount of $2,445,000. During the quarter ending September 30, 2017, the portion of the provision related to the tax year ending December 31, 2013, in the amount of $810,000, was reversed due to statute expiration. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $1,085,000 for a portion of the benefit that is not being returned to customers resulting from any possible tax authority challenge. The Company had previously recorded a provision of $9.4 million in the prior year for a cumulative total of $6.1 million. 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, 2017 and 2016 . Additionally, there were no accruals relating to interest or penalties as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company remains subject to examination by federal tax authorities for the 2014 through 2016 tax years; the State of Maine’s tax authorities for the 2014 through 2016 tax years; and the State of Connecticut’s tax authorities for the 2014 through 2016 tax years. On April 26, 2017, Avon Water was notified by the IRS that its stand-alone Federal tax filing for 2015 was selected to be reviewed beginning in the second quarter of 2017. The Company believes that the deductions taken on Avon Water’s tax return are appropriate, therefore no provision was recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 as required by FASB ASC 740. The Company is currently engaged in an analysis to determine the amount of expenditures related to tangible property that will be reflected on its 2017 Federal Tax Return to be filed in September 2018. As a result, through the third quarter of 2017 , the Company has estimated the portion of its infrastructure investment that will qualify as a repair deduction for 2017 and has reflected that deduction in its effective tax rate, 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, 2017 and 2016 was 2.3% and 14.1% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate, excluding discrete items recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was 0.1% and 7.0% , respectively. In 2017, these discrete items include adjustments related to uncertain tax positions for the repair deduction in Connecticut and a change in estimate of prior year tax expense. In 2016, these discrete items include adjustments related to uncertain tax positions for the repair deduction in both Connecticut and Maine and a change in estimate of prior year tax expense. Excluding discrete items, there was a decrease in the effective tax rate year over year for the three month period of approximately 7%. The decrease in the effective tax rate for this period can be attributed to a higher tax deductible pension contribution in 2017 than in 2016, offset partially by a lower estimated repair deduction in 2017 than in 2016. The blended Federal and State statutory income tax rates during each period were 41% . The Company’s effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was (2.5)% and 10.7% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate, excluding discrete items recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was 9.2% and 4.0% , respectively. In 2017, these discrete items include adjustments related to uncertain tax positions for the repair deduction in both Connecticut and Maine. In 2016, these discrete items include adjustments related to uncertain tax positions for the repair deduction in both Connecticut and Maine and a change in estimate of prior year tax expense. Excluding discrete items, there was an increase in the effective tax rate year over year for the nine month period of approximately 5%. The increase in the effective tax rate for this period can be attributed to a lower estimated repair deduction in 2017 than in 2016, offset partially by a higher tax deductible pension contribution in 2017 when compared to 2016. 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, 2017
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Lines of Credit	Lines of Credit As of September 30, 2017 , the Company maintained a $15.0 million line of credit agreement with CoBank, that is currently scheduled to expire on July 1, 2020 . The Company maintained an additional line of credit of $45.0 million with Citizens Bank, N.A., with an expiration date of April 25, 2021 . Additionally, Avon Water maintains a $3.0 million line of credit with Northwest Community Bank, with an expiration date of September 30, 2018 . As of September 30, 2017 , the total lines of credit available to the Company were $63.0 million . As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $18.5 million and $33.0 million , respectively, of Interim Bank Loans Payable. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had $44.5 million in unused lines of credit. Interest expense charged on lines of credit will fluctuate based on market interest rates.

Aquisitions

Aquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Acquisition The Heritage Village Water Company Acquisition As previously reported, on May 10, 2016, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire HVWC, pending a vote of HVWC shareholders, approval by PURA and MPUC and the satisfaction of other various closing conditions, pursuant to the terms of Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 10, 2016 between and among HVWC, the Company, and HAC, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned Connecticut subsidiary (the “Merger Agreement”). HVWC serves approximately 4,700 water customers in the Towns of Southbury, Middlebury, and Oxford, Connecticut and approximately 3,000 wastewater customers in the Town of Southbury, Connecticut. The acquisition was executed through a stock-for-stock merger transaction valued at approximately $16.9 million . Holders of HVWC common stock received shares of the Company’s common stock in a tax-free exchange. In addition, the transaction reflected a total enterprise value of HVWC of approximately $21.5 million. The Company received regulatory approval from MPUC on September 28, 2016 and from PURA on December 5, 2016, to proceed with the transaction. The shareholders of HVWC voted to approve the acquisition at a special meeting of HVWC’s shareholders held on February 27, 2017. On February 27, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of HVWC by completing the merger of the Companys’s wholly-owned subsidiary HAC, Inc. with and into HVWC, with HVWC as the surviving corporation, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and Connecticut corporate law. Upon the effective time of the Merger, the holders of HVWC’s 1,620 issued and outstanding shares of common stock became entitled to receive an aggregate of 300,445 shares of the Company’s common stock in a tax-free exchange, which exchange was commenced promptly by the issuance of a letter of transmittal and related materials by Connecticut Water’s exchange agent. The Avon Water Company Acquisition As previously reported, on October 12, 2016, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire Avon Water, pending a vote of Avon Water shareholders, approval by PURA and the MPUC and the satisfaction of other various closing conditions, pursuant to the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 11, 2016 as amended on March 29, 2017 between and among Avon Water, the Company, and WC-A I, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned Connecticut subsidiary (the “Merger Agreement”). Avon Water serves approximately 4,800 customers in the Farmington Valley communities of Avon, Farmington, and Simsbury, Connecticut. On February 10, 2017, Connecticut Water received regulatory approval from MPUC and on April 12, 2017, Connecticut Water received regulatory approval from the PURA to proceed with the transaction. The shareholders of Avon Water voted to approve the acquisition at a special meeting of Avon Water’s shareholders held on June 16, 2017. Effective July 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Avon Water by completing the merger of Connecticut Water’s wholly-owned subsidiary WC-A I, Inc. with and into Avon Water, with Avon Water as the surviving corporation, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and Connecticut corporate law. Upon the effective time of the Merger, the holders of Avon Water’s 122,289 issued and outstanding shares of common stock became entitled to receive the following merger consideration for each share of Avon Water common stock held: (i) a cash payment of $50.11; and (ii) a stock consideration component, consisting of 3.97 shares of the Company’s common stock. The transaction was completed through a stock-for-stock exchange where Avon Water shareholders received the Company’s common stock valued at approximately $26.9 million, in a tax-free exchange, and a cash payment of $6.1 million for a total payment to shareholders of $33.0 million. The transaction reflects a total enterprise value of approximately $39.1 million, with the $33.0 million paid to shareholders and the assumption by the Company of approximately $6.1 million of debt of Avon Water. The Company is still in the process of finalizing the purchase price allocation of both HVWC and Avon Water as additional information becomes available. The following table summarizes the fair value of the HVWC assets acquired on February 27, 2017 and the Avon Water assets on July 1, 2017, the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands): HVWC Avon Water Net Utility Plant $ 28,861 $ 28,330 Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,336 455 Accounts Receivable, net 345 376 Prepayments and Other Current Assets 63 247 Accrued Unbilled Revenues — 467 Materials and Supplies, at Average Cost 200 151 Goodwill 12,618 23,935 Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset — 4,662 Deferred Charges and Other Costs 343 799 Total Assets Acquired $ 43,766 $ 59,422 Long-Term Debt, including current portion $ 4,642 $ 3,345 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 21 581 Interim Bank Loans Payable — 2,500 Other Current Liabilities 228 35 Advances for Construction 1,897 1,537 Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes 1,623 1,803 Unfunded Future Income Taxes — 4,662 Other Long-Term Liabilities — 315 Total Liabilities Assumed $ 8,411 $ 14,778 Contributions in Aid of Construction 18,452 11,560 Net Assets Acquired $ 16,903 $ 33,084 The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed were determined based on the accounting guidance for fair value measurement under GAAP, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value analysis assumes the highest and best use of the assets by market participants. The allocation of the purchase price includes an adjustment to fair value related to the fair value of HVWC’s and Avon Water’s long term debt. The excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill recognized as part of the acquisitions of HVWC and Avon Water are a part of the Company’s Water Operations segment. The following unaudited pro forma summary for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 presents information as if HVWC and Avon Water had each been acquired on January 1, 2016 and assumes that there were no other changes in our operations. The following pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the Company operated the businesses since January 1, 2016, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future results of operations of the combined companies (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues $ 31,797 $ 32,058 Other Water Activities Revenues 455 356 Real Estate Revenues — 8 Service and Rentals Revenues 1,256 1,435 Total Revenues $ 33,508 $ 33,857 Net Income $ 10,716 $ 10,333 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.92 $ 0.88 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.90 $ 0.86 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues $ 84,823 $ 83,490 Other Water Activities Revenues 1,179 1,060 Real Estate Revenues 212 8 Service and Rentals Revenues 3,754 3,912 Total Revenues $ 89,968 $ 88,470 Net Income $ 23,188 $ 23,888 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 1.96 $ 2.03 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 1.92 $ 1.99 The following table summarizes the results of HVWC and Avon Water for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and from the dates of acquisition to September 30, 2017 (from February 27, 2017 for HVWC and July 1, 2017 for Avon Water) and is included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the period (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 Operating Revenues $ 2,368 Other Water Activities Revenues 42 Real Estate Revenues — Service and Rentals Revenues — Total Revenues $ 2,410 Net Income $ 476 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.04 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.04 Period ending September 30, 2017 Operating Revenues $ 3,721 Other Water Activities Revenues 42 Real Estate Revenues — Service and Rentals Revenues — Total Revenues $ 3,763 Net Income $ 693 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.06 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.06

Pension and Other Post-Retire22

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 482 $ 474 $ 1,446 $ 1,421 Interest Cost 800 803 2,400 2,409 Expected Return on Plan Assets (1,073 ) (1,020 ) (3,218 ) (3,060 ) Amortization of: Prior Service Cost 4 4 12 12 Net Recognized Loss 517 512 1,548 1,537 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 730 $ 773 $ 2,188 $ 2,319
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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Service Cost $ 85 $ 94 $ 252 $ 282 Interest Cost 128 135 384 406 Expected Return on Plan Assets (89 ) (86 ) (266 ) (256 ) Other 57 57 169 169 Amortization of: Prior Service Credit (46 ) (100 ) (136 ) (300 ) Recognized Net (Gain) Loss (20 ) 8 (60 ) 27 Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 115 $ 108 $ 343 $ 328

Earnings per Share Earnings per

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Common Shares Outstanding End of Period 12,068,299 11,240,417 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 11,816,553 11,014,002 Diluted 12,041,432 11,233,375 Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.92 $ 0.86 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.02 ) (0.02 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.90 $ 0.84 Nine months ended September 30, Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis): Basic 11,435,545 11,003,644 Diluted 11,660,674 11,222,588 Basic Earnings per Share $ 2.03 $ 2.05 Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards (0.04 ) (0.04 ) Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.99 $ 2.01

Accumulated Other Comprehensi24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 328 $ (1,063 ) $ (735 ) Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification (2 ) — (2 ) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 28 48 76 Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income 26 48 74 Ending Balance $ 354 $ (1,015 ) $ (661 ) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 187 $ (1,057 ) $ (870 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification 46 — 46 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI — 39 39 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 46 39 85 Ending Balance $ 233 $ (1,018 ) $ (785 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 235 $ (1,159 ) $ (924 ) Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification 83 — 83 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 36 144 180 Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income 119 144 263 Ending Balance $ 354 $ (1,015 ) $ (661 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Unrealized Gains on Investments Defined Benefit Items Total Beginning Balance (a) $ 200 $ (1,135 ) $ (935 ) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassification 23 — 23 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 10 117 127 Net current-period Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 33 117 150 Ending Balance $ 233 $ (1,018 ) $ (785 ) (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, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2017(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2016(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ 47 $ — Other Income Tax expense (19 ) — Other Income 28 — Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 78 64 Other Income (b) Tax expense (30 ) (25 ) Other Income 48 39 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 76 $ 39 Details about Other AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017(a) Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016(a) Affected Line Items on Income Statement Realized Gains on Investments $ 60 $ 17 Other Income Tax expense (24 ) (7 ) Other Income 36 10 Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items 235 192 Other Income (b) Tax expense (91 ) (75 ) Other Income 144 117 Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 180 $ 127 (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, 2017
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2017 2016 4.09% CTWS Term Loan Note $ 12,632 $ 13,437 4.15% CTWS CoBank Term Note Payable, Due 2037 15,000 — Total CTWS 27,632 13,437 Var. Connecticut Water 2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029 12,500 12,500 Var. Connecticut Water 2004 Series A, Due 2028 5,000 5,000 Var. Connecticut Water 2004 Series B, Due 2028 4,550 4,550 5.00% Connecticut Water 2011 A Series, Due 2021 22,969 23,115 3.16% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 8,000 8,000 3.51% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022 14,795 14,795 4.29% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028 17,020 17,020 4.72% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032 14,795 14,795 4.75% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 14,550 14,550 4.36% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due May 2036 30,000 30,000 4.04% Connecticut Water CoBank Note Payable, Due July 2036 19,930 19,930 3.53% Connecticut Water NY Life Senior Note, Due September 2037 35,000 — Total Connecticut Water 199,109 164,255 4.75% HVWC 2011 Farmington Bank Loan, Due 2034 4,504 — 3.05% Avon Water Mortgage Note Payable, due 2033 3,343 — 8.95% Maine Water 1994 Series G, Due 2024 7,200 7,200 2.68% Maine Water 1999 Series J, Due 2019 170 254 0.00% Maine Water 2001 Series K, Due 2031 574 615 2.58% Maine Water 2002 Series L, Due 2022 60 67 1.53% Maine Water 2003 Series M, Due 2023 321 341 1.73% Maine Water 2004 Series N, Due 2024 341 371 0.00% Maine Water 2004 Series O, Due 2034 113 120 1.76% Maine Water 2006 Series P, Due 2026 361 391 1.57% Maine Water 2009 Series R, Due 2029 207 217 0.00% Maine Water 2009 Series S, Due 2029 538 583 0.00% Maine Water 2009 Series T, Due 2029 1,509 1,634 0.00% Maine Water 2012 Series U, Due 2042 148 154 1.00% Maine Water 2013 Series V, Due 2033 1,310 1,335 2.52% Maine Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 1,965 1,965 4.24% Maine Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2024 4,500 4,500 4.18% Maine Water CoBank Note Payable, Due 2026 5,000 — 7.72% Maine Water Series L, Due 2018 2,250 2,250 2.40% Maine Water Series N, Due 2022 1,026 1,101 1.86% Maine Water Series O, Due 2025 750 790 2.23% Maine Water Series P, Due 2028 1,264 1,294 0.01% Maine Water Series Q, Due 2035 1,678 1,771 1.00% Maine Water Series R, Due 2025 2,010 2,250 Various Maine Water Various Capital Leases 3 8 Total Maine Water 33,298 29,211 Add: Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment 196 321 Less: Current Portion (7,950 ) (4,859 ) Less: Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (4,939 ) (5,318 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 255,193 $ 197,047

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Val

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Money Market Fund $ 69 $ — $ — $ 69 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,991 — — 1,991 Fixed Income Funds (2) 642 — — 642 Total $ 2,702 $ — $ — $ 2,702 The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Type: Money Market Fund $ 122 $ — $ — $ 122 Mutual Funds: Equity Funds (1) 1,662 — — 1,662 Fixed Income Funds (2) 534 — — 534 Total $ 2,318 $ — $ — $ 2,318 (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, 2017
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, 2017 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Operations $ 32,252 $ 10,500 $ 36 $ 10,464 Real Estate Transactions — — — — Services and Rentals 1,256 465 213 252 Total $ 33,508 $ 10,965 $ 249 $ 10,716 Three months ended September 30, 2016 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Operations $ 29,791 $ 10,529 $ 1,177 $ 9,352 Real Estate Transactions 8 4 2 2 Services and Rentals 1,419 573 392 181 Total $ 31,218 $ 11,106 $ 1,571 $ 9,535 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Water Operations $ 83,258 $ 21,112 $ (1,215 ) $ 22,327 Real Estate Transactions 212 55 22 33 Services and Rentals 3,745 1,461 619 842 Total $ 87,215 $ 22,628 $ (574 ) $ 23,202 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Segment Revenues Pre-Tax Income Income Tax Expense Net Income Water Operations $ 78,022 $ 23,652 $ 2,010 $ 21,642 Real Estate Transactions 8 4 2 2 Services and Rentals 3,862 1,673 691 982 Total $ 81,892 $ 25,329 $ 2,703 $ 22,626
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Assets by segment (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Plant and Other Investments: Water Operations $ 693,037 $ 609,508 Non-Water 1,025 959 694,062 610,467 Other Assets: Water Operations 237,224 171,674 Non-Water 8,090 2,361 245,314 174,035 Total Assets $ 939,376 $ 784,502

Aquisitions Acquisitions (Table

Aquisitions Acquisitions (Tables) - The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The Company is still in the process of finalizing the purchase price allocation of both HVWC and Avon Water as additional information becomes available. The following table summarizes the fair value of the HVWC assets acquired on February 27, 2017 and the Avon Water assets on July 1, 2017, the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands): HVWC Avon Water Net Utility Plant $ 28,861 $ 28,330 Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,336 455 Accounts Receivable, net 345 376 Prepayments and Other Current Assets 63 247 Accrued Unbilled Revenues — 467 Materials and Supplies, at Average Cost 200 151 Goodwill 12,618 23,935 Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset — 4,662 Deferred Charges and Other Costs 343 799 Total Assets Acquired $ 43,766 $ 59,422 Long-Term Debt, including current portion $ 4,642 $ 3,345 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 21 581 Interim Bank Loans Payable — 2,500 Other Current Liabilities 228 35 Advances for Construction 1,897 1,537 Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes 1,623 1,803 Unfunded Future Income Taxes — 4,662 Other Long-Term Liabilities — 315 Total Liabilities Assumed $ 8,411 $ 14,778 Contributions in Aid of Construction 18,452 11,560 Net Assets Acquired $ 16,903 $ 33,084
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma summary for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 presents information as if HVWC and Avon Water had each been acquired on January 1, 2016 and assumes that there were no other changes in our operations. The following pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the Company operated the businesses since January 1, 2016, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future results of operations of the combined companies (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues $ 31,797 $ 32,058 Other Water Activities Revenues 455 356 Real Estate Revenues — 8 Service and Rentals Revenues 1,256 1,435 Total Revenues $ 33,508 $ 33,857 Net Income $ 10,716 $ 10,333 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.92 $ 0.88 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.90 $ 0.86 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues $ 84,823 $ 83,490 Other Water Activities Revenues 1,179 1,060 Real Estate Revenues 212 8 Service and Rentals Revenues 3,754 3,912 Total Revenues $ 89,968 $ 88,470 Net Income $ 23,188 $ 23,888 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 1.96 $ 2.03 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 1.92 $ 1.99 The following table summarizes the results of HVWC and Avon Water for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and from the dates of acquisition to September 30, 2017 (from February 27, 2017 for HVWC and July 1, 2017 for Avon Water) and is included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the period (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 Operating Revenues $ 2,368 Other Water Activities Revenues 42 Real Estate Revenues — Service and Rentals Revenues — Total Revenues $ 2,410 Net Income $ 476 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.04 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.04 Period ending September 30, 2017 Operating Revenues $ 3,721 Other Water Activities Revenues 42 Real Estate Revenues — Service and Rentals Revenues — Total Revenues $ 3,763 Net Income $ 693 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.06 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.06

Aquisitions Goodwill Rollforwar

Aquisitions Goodwill Rollforward (Tables) - The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The Company is still in the process of finalizing the purchase price allocation of both HVWC and Avon Water as additional information becomes available. The following table summarizes the fair value of the HVWC assets acquired on February 27, 2017 and the Avon Water assets on July 1, 2017, the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands): HVWC Avon Water Net Utility Plant $ 28,861 $ 28,330 Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,336 455 Accounts Receivable, net 345 376 Prepayments and Other Current Assets 63 247 Accrued Unbilled Revenues — 467 Materials and Supplies, at Average Cost 200 151 Goodwill 12,618 23,935 Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset — 4,662 Deferred Charges and Other Costs 343 799 Total Assets Acquired $ 43,766 $ 59,422 Long-Term Debt, including current portion $ 4,642 $ 3,345 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 21 581 Interim Bank Loans Payable — 2,500 Other Current Liabilities 228 35 Advances for Construction 1,897 1,537 Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes 1,623 1,803 Unfunded Future Income Taxes — 4,662 Other Long-Term Liabilities — 315 Total Liabilities Assumed $ 8,411 $ 14,778 Contributions in Aid of Construction 18,452 11,560 Net Assets Acquired $ 16,903 $ 33,084
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma summary for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 presents information as if HVWC and Avon Water had each been acquired on January 1, 2016 and assumes that there were no other changes in our operations. The following pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the Company operated the businesses since January 1, 2016, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future results of operations of the combined companies (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues $ 31,797 $ 32,058 Other Water Activities Revenues 455 356 Real Estate Revenues — 8 Service and Rentals Revenues 1,256 1,435 Total Revenues $ 33,508 $ 33,857 Net Income $ 10,716 $ 10,333 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.92 $ 0.88 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.90 $ 0.86 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues $ 84,823 $ 83,490 Other Water Activities Revenues 1,179 1,060 Real Estate Revenues 212 8 Service and Rentals Revenues 3,754 3,912 Total Revenues $ 89,968 $ 88,470 Net Income $ 23,188 $ 23,888 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 1.96 $ 2.03 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 1.92 $ 1.99 The following table summarizes the results of HVWC and Avon Water for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and from the dates of acquisition to September 30, 2017 (from February 27, 2017 for HVWC and July 1, 2017 for Avon Water) and is included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the period (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2017 Operating Revenues $ 2,368 Other Water Activities Revenues 42 Real Estate Revenues — Service and Rentals Revenues — Total Revenues $ 2,410 Net Income $ 476 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.04 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.04 Period ending September 30, 2017 Operating Revenues $ 3,721 Other Water Activities Revenues 42 Real Estate Revenues — Service and Rentals Revenues — Total Revenues $ 3,763 Net Income $ 693 Basic Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.06 Diluted Earnings per Average Share Outstanding $ 0.06

Basis of Preparation of Finan30

Basis of Preparation of Financials In text details (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Water Revenue Adjustment	$ 1,989,000	$ 81,000	$ 5,542,000	$ 2,867,000
Maine Water Company [Member]
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	9.50%		9.50%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.96%		7.96%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member]
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	9.75%		9.75%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.32%		7.32%
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	10.10%		10.10%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.19%		7.19%
The Avon Water Company [Member]
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	10.00%		10.00%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.79%		7.79%

Pension and Other Post-Retire31

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Pension Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 482	$ 474	$ 1,446	$ 1,421
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	800	803	2,400	2,409
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(1,073)	(1,020)	(3,218)	(3,060)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	4	4	12	12
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	517	512	1,548	1,537
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	730	773	2,188	2,319
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	85	94	252	282
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	128	135	384	406
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(89)	(86)	(266)	(256)
Defined benefit plan amortization of regulatory assets	57	57	169	169
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(46)	(100)	(136)	(300)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	(20)	8	(60)	27
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 115	$ 108	$ 343	$ 328

Pension and Other Post-Retire32

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits In Text Linking (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$ 2,971,000

Earnings per Share Earnings p33

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	12,068,299	11,240,417	12,068,299	11,240,417	11,248,458
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	11,816,553	11,014,002	11,435,545	11,003,644
Diluted (in shares)	12,041,432	11,233,375	11,660,674	11,222,588
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.92	$ 0.86	$ 2.03	$ 2.05
Incremental Common Shares Attributal To Share Based Payements Arrangements	(0.02)	(0.02)	(0.04)	(0.04)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.90	$ 0.84	$ 1.99	$ 2.01

Earnings per Share EPS in Text

Earnings per Share EPS in Text Tagging (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
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 4 months 1 day
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 0.2

Accumulated Other Comprehensi35

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tables [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax	$ 47	$ 0	$ 60	$ 17
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	(19)	0	(24)	(7)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(661)	(785)	(661)	(785)	$ (735)	$ (924)	$ (870)	$ (935)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	28	0	36	10
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax	78	64	235	192
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	(30)	(25)	(91)	(75)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	354	233	354	233	328	235	187	200
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	(1,015)	(1,018)	(1,015)	(1,018)	$ (1,063)	$ (1,159)	$ (1,057)	$ (1,135)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	(2)	46	83	23
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	0	0	0	0
Total Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification, Net of Tax	(2)	46	83	23
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	48	39	144	117
Total Amounts Reclassified From AOCI, Net of Tax	76	39	180	127
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	26	46	119	33
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	48	39	144	117
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ 74	$ 85	$ 263	$ 150

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt36

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Feb. 27, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 255,193			$ 197,047
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(7,950)			(4,859)
Less: Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(4,939)			(5,318)
Long-term Debt	255,193			197,047
Parent [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(27,632)			(13,437)
Parent [Member] | Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	12,632			13,437
Parent [Member] | CoBank Term Note Payable, Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	15,000			0
The Connecticut Water Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(199,109)			(164,255)
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] | 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	22,969			23,115
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
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	30,000			30,000
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	19,930			19,930
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | NY LIfe Senior Note, Due September 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	35,000			0
Maine Water Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(33,298)			(29,211)
Maine Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(5,000)			0
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series G [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	7,200			7,200
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series J [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	170			254
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series K [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	574			615
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series L [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	60			67
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series M [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	321			341
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series N [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	341			371
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series O [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	113			120
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series P [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	361			391
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series R [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	207			217
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series S [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	538			583
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series T [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,509			1,634
Maine Water Company [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment of Long-Term Debt Assume [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	196			321
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2012 Series U, Due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	148			154
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2013 Series V, Due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,310			1,335
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	1,026			1,101
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	750			790
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series P, Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,264			1,294
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series Q, Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(1,678)			(1,771)
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series R, Due 2025 [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(2,010)			(2,250)
Maine Water Company [Member] | Long Term Capital Leases [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	3			8
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities			$ 4,642
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities				0
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member] | 2011 Farmington Bank Loan, Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(4,504)
The Avon Water Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities		$ 3,345
The Avon Water Company [Member] | Mortgage Note Payable, due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$ (3,343)			$ 0

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt P

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Parenthetical (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017Rate	Dec. 31, 2016Rate	Dec. 31, 2015
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%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	4.36%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.04%	4.04%
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%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series R, Due 2025 [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.00%	1.00%

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt i

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt in Text (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$ 7,950,000	$ 4,859,000
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 V39

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 2,702	$ 2,318
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,702	2,318
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
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	69	122
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	69	122
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	1,991	1,662
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	1,991	1,662
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	642	534
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	642	534
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	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	$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures In Text

Fair Value Disclosures In Text Tagging (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount	$ 3,351,000	$ 3,075,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	276,706,000	210,463,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	260,132,000	202,365,000
Advances for Construction	$ 20,783,000	$ 19,127,000

Segment Reporting Segment Rep41

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 33,508	$ 31,218	$ 87,215	$ 81,892
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	10,965	11,106	22,628	25,329
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	249	1,571	(574)	2,703
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	10,716	9,535	23,202	22,626
Water Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	32,252	29,791	83,258	78,022
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	10,500	10,529	21,112	23,652
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	36	1,177	(1,215)	2,010
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	10,464	9,352	22,327	21,642
Real Estate Transactions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	8	212	8
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	0	4	55	4
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	0	2	22	2
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	2	33	2
Services and Rentals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,256	1,419	3,745	3,862
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	465	573	1,461	1,673
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	213	392	619	691
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 252	$ 181	$ 842	$ 982

Segment Reporting Segment Rep42

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Textual Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$ 31,199,000	$ 29,477,000	$ 80,843,000	$ 77,084,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Wastewater	598,000		1,319,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	455,000	314,000	1,096,000	938,000
Water Revenue Adjustment	$ 1,989,000	$ 81,000	$ 5,542,000	$ 2,867,000

Segment Reporting Assets by Seg

Segment Reporting Assets by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Plant and Other Investments	$ 694,062	$ 610,467
Other Assets	245,314	174,035
Assets	939,376	784,502
Water Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Plant and Other Investments	693,037	609,508
Other Assets	237,224	171,674
Services and Rentals and Real Estate Combine [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Plant and Other Investments	1,025	959
Other Assets	$ 8,090	$ 2,361

Income Tax Expense Income Tax E

Income Tax Expense Income Tax Expense (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017Rate	Sep. 30, 2016Rate	Sep. 30, 2017Rate	Sep. 30, 2016Rate
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	2.30%	14.10%	(2.50%)	10.70%
Effective Tax Rate Excluding Reserve Against Fixed Capital Investment Credits Claimed in Prior Years	0.10%	7.00%	9.20%	4.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate				41.00%

Lines of Credit Lines of Credit

Lines of Credit Lines of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 63,000
Interim Bank Loans Payable	18,547	$ 32,953
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	44,500
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	45,000
Northwest Community Bank [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,000

Aquisitions Fair Value of Asset

Aquisitions Fair Value of Assets Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Feb. 27, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 683,738			$ 601,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,274			1,564	$ 1,158	$ 731
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	15,642			13,024
Prepayments and Other Current Assets	11,485			5,069
Accrued Unbilled Revenues	9,906			8,171
Materials and Supplies	1,842			1,536
Goodwill	66,979			30,427
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset	107,911			93,264
Deferred Charges and Other Costs	12,164			8,449
Total Assets	939,376			784,502
Long-term Debt	255,193			197,047
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	8,585			13,116
Interim Bank Loans Payable	18,547			32,953
Other Current Liabilities	3,044			2,330
Advances for Construction	20,783			19,127
Contributions in Aid of Construction	129,947			94,957
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes	54,081			50,558
Unfunded Future Income Taxes	106,160			90,977
Other Long-Term Liabilities	4,704			5,074
Long-Term Debt	255,193			197,047
Total Long-Term Liabilities	$ 219,224			$ 200,573
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net			$ 28,861
Cash and Cash Equivalents			1,336
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current			345
Prepayments and Other Current Assets			63
Accrued Unbilled Revenues			0
Materials and Supplies			200
Goodwill			12,618
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset			0
Deferred Charges and Other Costs			343
Total Assets			43,766
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses			21
Interim Bank Loans Payable			0
Other Current Liabilities			228
Advances for Construction			1,897
Contributions in Aid of Construction			18,452
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes			1,623
Unfunded Future Income Taxes			0
Other Long-Term Liabilities			0
Long-Term Debt			4,642
Total Long-Term Liabilities			8,411
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net			$ 16,903
The Avon Water Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		$ 28,330
Cash and Cash Equivalents		455
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current		376
Prepayments and Other Current Assets		247
Accrued Unbilled Revenues		467
Materials and Supplies		151
Goodwill		23,935
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset		4,662
Deferred Charges and Other Costs		799
Total Assets		59,422
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses		581
Interim Bank Loans Payable		2,500
Other Current Liabilities		35
Advances for Construction		1,537
Contributions in Aid of Construction		11,560
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes		1,803
Unfunded Future Income Taxes		4,662
Other Long-Term Liabilities		315
Long-Term Debt		3,345
Total Long-Term Liabilities		14,778
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		$ 33,084

Aquisitions Pro Forma Summary f

Aquisitions Pro Forma Summary for Prior Year (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Regulated Operating Revenue	$ 31,797,000	$ 29,477,000		$ 82,162,000	$ 77,084,000
Operating Revenues	31,199,000	29,477,000		80,843,000	77,084,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	455,000	314,000		1,096,000	938,000
Revenues	33,508,000	31,218,000		87,215,000	81,892,000
Net Income	$ 10,716,000	$ 9,535,000		$ 23,202,000	$ 22,626,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.92	$ 0.86		$ 2.03	$ 2.05
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.90	$ 0.84		$ 1.99	$ 2.01
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Regulated Operating Revenue	$ 2,368,000		$ 3,721,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	42,000		42,000
Real Estate Revenue, Net	0		0
Sales Revenue, Services, Net	0		0
Revenues	2,410,000		3,763,000
Net Income	$ 476,000		$ 693,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.04		$ 0.06
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.04		$ 0.06

Aquisitions Goodwill Rollforw48

Aquisitions Goodwill Rollforward (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Regulated Operating Revenue	$ 31,797,000	$ 29,477,000		$ 82,162,000	$ 77,084,000
Goodwill	66,979,000		$ 66,979,000	66,979,000		$ 30,427,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	455,000	314,000		1,096,000	938,000
Revenues	33,508,000	31,218,000		87,215,000	81,892,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 10,716,000	$ 9,535,000		$ 23,202,000	$ 22,626,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.92	$ 0.86		$ 2.03	$ 2.05
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.90	$ 0.84		$ 1.99	$ 2.01
Water Activities [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 32,252,000	$ 29,791,000		$ 83,258,000	$ 78,022,000
Connecticut Water Service, Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Regulated Operating Revenue	31,797,000	32,058,000		84,823,000	83,490,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	455,000	356,000		1,179,000	1,060,000
Real Estate Revenue, Net	0	8,000		212,000	8,000
Sales Revenue, Services, Net	1,256,000	1,435,000		3,754,000	3,912,000
Revenues	33,508,000	33,857,000		89,968,000	88,470,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 10,716,000	$ 10,333,000		$ 23,188,000	$ 23,888,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.92	$ 0.88		$ 1.96	$ 2.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.90	$ 0.86		$ 1.92	$ 1.99
The Heritage Village Water Company [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Regulated Operating Revenue	$ 2,368,000		3,721,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	42,000		42,000
Real Estate Revenue, Net	0		0
Sales Revenue, Services, Net	0		0
Revenues	2,410,000		3,763,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 476,000		$ 693,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.04		$ 0.06
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.04		$ 0.06