Superintendent William C. Lyon,
Northfield Public Works Department
The Northfield Water Department was founded in 1900, utilizing several sources of natural springs.
In 1906, Northfield Village residents voted to install a system capable of fire protection. New mains and hydrants were installed and two 250,000 gallon reservoirs were constructed on Cheney Hill for storage.
In 1933, another 250,000 gallon reservoir was constructed on Turkey Hill.
Over the years, the system was upgraded and extended. In 1940, the springs were deemed inadequate and a 400 gallons per minute (GPM) well was drilled to supplement the source. In 1946, a 600 GPM well was drilled and, in 1998, a 1000 GPM well was added. At right is a picture of the Northfield Wellfield off Vermont Route 12A.
In 2001, the system was further upgraded with the addition of a 1,000,000 gallon reservoir on Garvey Hill (seen at left), new mains, and automatic controls.
The Northfield Water System provides 500,000 gallons per day to the residents of Northfield Village, Northfield Falls, and Northfield Center. The system also stands ready to provide an adequate amount of water for firefighting.
