An alternative model of the dynamics in the low energy states of the water trimer is presented. In this model the dynamically averaged pseudorotational levels reflect the D-3h molecular symmetry group. In contrast to the currently accepted C-3h model, in the present model transitions through much higher energy barriers, such as clockwise to counterclockwise rearrangements, are allowed. This leads to a significantly different picture of the trimer dynamics. This paper identifies a difference between the two models which can be tested experimentally and will thereby facilitate the selection of the model that is closer to nature.