A Brief History of the Water System
The Three Rivers Water Department was established in 1943 by the Massachusetts Legislature as part of the Three Rivers Fire District of the Town of Palmer. Because the defunct Otis Mill Company and the private Ruggles and Cheny water systems could no longer supply the growing village with water, the residents of Three Rivers section of Palmer voted to create their own public water system by buying out the two private companies and assuming the distribution pipes from the mill. Significant pipeline improvements were made and new wells were drilled. The system still operates as an autonomous service district within the Town of Palmer and continues to provide fresh, reliable drinking water to its customers. The District's drinking water samples were compared against small water systems across the country and was judged "best
tasting drinking water in America" in 2007.
The Three Rivers Fire District's Annual Meeting is held on the first Tuesday of May at the Three Rivers Fire Station where the village's fire and water department operating budgets are publicly approved and District officials are elected. Additionally, the Fire Department and the Water Department holds monthly public meetings to make sure these services are being adequately provided to its citizens. Please inquire about dates and times of these meetings. Minutes of these meetings are posted on the Three Rivers Fire Department's web page. In 2011, the Board of Water Commissioners positions were eliminated by a District By-law amendment and the elected governing body of the Water Department is now the District Prudential Committee. Our performance is dependent upon your participation. Feel free to
contact us at the above phone numbers if you have any questions or concerns.
Your elected Prudential Committee members include:
Raymond Domey, Chairman
William Jalbert
Donald Reim
The Three Rivers Fire District is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
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