Wastewater Treatment Plant

About the department:

The Town of Palmer Wastewater Treatment Facility is located on the banks of the Ware River and discharges the treated effluent into the Chicopee River between the old Tambrands building and F & D Tool Company in the village of Three Rivers. The Palmer Wastewater Facility is responsible for improving water quality to a Class B status that promotes recreational use of the Chicopee River. Not only does the river support a healthy aquatic population, a direct result of higher dissolved oxygen levels, several species of birds have been observed by plant personnel including numerous Bald Eagle sightings around the plant.

Over the last 12 years the Town of Palmer has eliminated 26 combined sewer overflows (CSOs).   Plant influent flows are now less affected by wet weather or heavy rainfall resulting in more stable plant operations.

Start up: 1979
Service Population: 18,000
Flow: Design 5.6 mgd; Daily Average: 1.6 mgd, 12 month avg.
Type: Conventional activated Sludge
Facility Grading: 6
Sewer System: 58 miles, 10 Pump Stations, 50 Grinder Pumps

Important Notes:

FY 2027 1st Half SEWER BILLS
Bill Date: 9/1/2026
Due Date: 10/1/2026
These charges are for the services between 7/1/2026 – 12/31/2026 

Billing & Abatements: Contact our office at (413) 283-2671 or visit our office at 1 Norbell Street, Three Rivers, MA 01080. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm. All Vacancy Abatement Applications for sewer user charges must be filed in writing at our office within 30 days from the Bill Date. Please see the Abatement Policy.

Payments & Status: Contact the office of the Palmer Town Hall Tax Collector’s Office, 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069. (413) 283-2601. All payments and status of bill questions will require your account number and bill number. Payment options, office hours, and other related information is listed at the upper right of your Sewer Bill. DO NOT bring or mail payment(s) to the Water Pollution Control Facility.