Last week, Athol officials received an award for the town’s water quality and service from the Department of Environmental Protection. In front, (L-R) Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, EPA Region 1 Director Jane Downing, DEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, Athol Secondary Treatment Operator Matt Bardsley, Primary Treatment Operator Bob Hughes, Athol DPW Director Dick Kilhart, and Massachusetts Water Works Association President Mark Warren. At rear, (L-R) Athol Assistant Public Works Director Paul Raskevitz and Athol Environmental Compliance Officer Jennifer Shaw.
Last week, Athol officials received an award for the town’s water quality and service from the Department of Environmental Protection. In front, (L-R) Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, EPA Region 1 Director Jane Downing, DEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, Athol Secondary Treatment Operator Matt Bardsley, Primary Treatment Operator Bob Hughes, Athol DPW Director Dick Kilhart, and Massachusetts Water Works Association President Mark Warren. At rear, (L-R) Athol Assistant Public Works Director Paul Raskevitz and Athol Environmental Compliance Officer Jennifer Shaw. Credit: —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BOSTON – Recently, in honor of National Drinking Water Week, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) awarded 61 public water systems and operators for excellent service to the public.

A statement from DEP said those receiving awards “demonstrated exceptional compliance records, leading conservation efforts, and a commitment to water quality.”

Athol was among those communities receiving recognition for its water system in the Medium and Large Community Systems category.

“We have a very dedicated staff that goes that extra mile,” said Athol Public Works Director Dick Kilhart. “I’m just happy to be associated with such a great group of professionals because they really do a great job.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is proud to recognize our dedicated drinking water suppliers and professionals as part of our celebration of National Drinking Water Week,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Public water suppliers in Massachusetts continue to show great dedication delivering safe, clean, healthy drinking water to our residents.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.