Water update from Housatonic Water Works
Great Barrington — The Berkshire Edge has received the following water update from James Mercer, treasurer of Housatonic Water Works:
“The combination of an unusually warm reservoir, chlorine (which is more reactive in warm water) plus old water pipe mains and service lines created the roily water experienced by many customers this summer. Fortunately, most customers have noticed a significant improvement since we completed a system-wide flushing program.
Housatonic Water Works maintains nearly 90,000 linear feet of water mains, mostly cast iron installed in the 1880s. Although these lines remain in good condition, they are more reactive to chlorine which can cause increased iron sediment.
Housatonic Water Works does not own all of the water mains in the Housatonic area. For example, the Town of Stockbridge owns and maintains water mains that serve the “Furnace District,” and there are several private water mains originally installed by developers which are now the responsibility of homeowners that share those lines.
The list of private lines includes:
Brookside Court
Crimson Lane
Grant Lane
Nolan Drive
Ramsdell Road
Rachael Way
Spruce Street
Walnut Lane
Wright Lane
Some of these private water mains are made of galvanized iron and are in poor condition – negatively impacting water quality in those areas.
Customers with galvanized service lines should also be aware that their water quality can also be compromised as these lines deteriorate. Service lines are each customer’s responsibility to maintain. Often they are expensive to replace. We recommend that all customers contact their insurance agent, and add coverage for their water and sewer line replacement. It is our understanding that affordable coverage is now available.
During 2017 the Company completed the following water line projects:
- Wyantenuck Street water main replacement: 609’ of 2” poly / 266’ of 1” poly
- North Street water main replacement: 272 of 2” poly
- Long Pond – new main to Tank: 802’ of 6” ductile iron
- Route 183 project: 967’ 8” ductile iron / 77’ of 6” ductile iron and 2 hydrants
Our master plan addresses other system improvements that we will be implementing in the future. One of the most important updates is replacing our main water transmission line made of cast iron installed in 1884. It will be replaced with ductile iron (concrete lined) pipe.
I wish to thank all of our customers for their understanding and patience during this challenging time. I also appreciate those who have reached out to kept us aware of conditions they observed. Your input is truly appreciated.”
