Previously plagued with poor quality and insufficient quantity of drinking water throughout the 20th Century, the people of Barrington, Warren and Bristol voted in 1983 to buy off the private company (which had until then operated the region`s water supply system) and to establish a public drinking water agency. 

Unfortunately, previous years of neglect by the private company had left quite a legacy: a water system in need of complete rehabilitation, an insufficient water supply, and the highest water rates throughout the State.  

Upon recommendation by the Tri-Town Water Study Committee, appointed by the Country`s three town Councils, the public agency would manage the region`s water supply system, and in particular would be responsible for upgrading the distribution system and constructing and operating a permanent pipeline connection to the Scituate Reservoir.

The people of Bristol County voted to approve the Tri-Town Committee recommendations by a margin of 6 to 1.

With a clear mandate from the people, the three town Councils appointed in 1984 the first nine members to serve on the Board of Directors of the newly formed public agency which was named the Bristol County Water Authority. 

Ever since that time, Directors serve a term of three years and are appointed by the respective Town Councils.  Director may seek Council approval for reappointment upon expiration of their term.