Pennichuck subsidiary acquires 3 systems

Pittsfield Aqueduct Company, a subsidiary of Merrimack-based Pennichuck Corporation, has taken over the ownership, management and operation of the Birch Hill Village Water District in North Conway, Sunrise Estates in Middleton and the Locke Lake Colony Water System in Barnstead.

Pittsfield Aqueduct currently provides water to about 650 customers, a number that will grow to about 1,800 with the acquisition of the three water systems.

Stephen Densberger, executive vice president of Pennichuck and president of Pennichuck Water Service Corp. said Birch Hill, Sunrise Estates and Locke Lake Colony residents spoke out in favor of Pennichuck’s bid to take over the water system at a public comment hearing conducted earlier this year by the state Public Utilities Commission. Shortly thereafter, the PUC ruled that the Pittsfield Aqueduct Company could take over the assets and franchise, and the operation and maintenance, of all three water systems.

“It was encouraging to hear that residents eagerly anticipated our arrival,” said Densberger. “We certainly felt the same way and were pleased to hear of the PUC’s decision to approve the transfer of the systems.” – JEFF FEINGOLD