by Aaron Perez
This article was published in the winter 2024–25 issue of our newsletter.
Arlington, Vermont may not be the biggest community out there, but one thing’s for sure—it’s got heart, grit, and some of the cleanest water around. And that’s thanks, in large part, to Burr Snow, Arlington’s sole water operator and bonafide hometown hero.
He’s not just on the job; he’s been on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 33 years. Let that sink in. For more than 12,000 days, Burr has been ready to roll up his sleeves for whatever water-related curveball Mother Nature or human nature decides to throw.
Burr Snow
A Water Hero’s Journey
Burr began in 1991 as the backup for then-chief operator Peter Putis. In 2005, Burr took over the reins as the lead operator, and he hasn’t looked back since. Over the past three decades, he’s been the first and last line of defense for Arlington’s water quality, monitoring every last drop to ensure safe, clean, and reliable drinking water for every faucet, every tap, and every glass filled.
It’s not an easy job, either. You’ve got your average daily water demand of around 140,000 gallons—a number Burr knows like the back of his hand. Arlington’s water system serves 450 connections, bringing clean water to roughly 1,250 residents. So, when you add up all the families, businesses, and emergency situations that depend on his work, Burr’s got the community of Arlington resting on his shoulders, and he carries that load proudly.
As if his skills as a water operator weren’t enough, Burr also happens to be a master plumber. It’s a combination that’s served the town well, especially when complex or unexpected issues pop up that need both technical knowledge and hands-on plumbing skills.
Evolution From Private to Public
Burr was front and center in 2016 when the water system, which had been owned by the Arlington Water Company, a private business founded in 1896, was purchased by the town. The system needed critical maintenance and upgrades that the private company could not afford on its own.
The transition from private to public ownership meant that the system was now eligible for state and federal grants and loans to fund these projects. Burr led the charge through this change, looking out not just for the community, but for the long-term viability of the system itself.
Heroics During Hurricane Irene
Now, it wouldn’t be a true Vermont water operator story without some legendary weather challenges, right? In 2011, Hurricane Irene brought devastation across Vermont, and Arlington’s water system took a massive hit. 80 feet of transmission line fell into the river—that’s 80 feet of pipe torn out of place and washed away. Burr wasn’t fazed. He worked 18 hours straight to restore water service as quickly as humanly possible. When Arlington needed him most, Burr was there, and he pulled off what can only be called a heroic feat. The people of Arlington have always been able to count on him, but during Irene, he proved he’s as steadfast as the Green Mountains themselves.
33 Years and counting
So, here’s to Burr—thirty-three years on the job, but so much more than that. He’s the beating heart of Arlington’s water system, the unsung protector of public health, the guy who responds to every call and never lets the town down. He’s the reason you can brush your teeth, make your coffee, water your plants, and fill your pets’ bowls without a second thought.
To Burr, we raise a glass of Arlington’s finest—clean, safe, and reliable, thanks to the man who’s kept it that way for over three decades.