EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS





We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this

Registration Statement on Form S-8 and the related Prospectus of

our report dated January 28, 1998, which appears on page 29 of

the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders of Aquarion Company, which

is incorporated by reference in Aquarion Company's Annual Report

on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.





/s/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, NY

September 17, 1998