To the Editor:
On April 4th the Housatonic Water Works customers received a notification from the water company informing us that they had recently violated a drinking water standard in December of 2015. I believe this incident was just one of many others that have gone undetected by the state over the years.
Since moving to Housatonic, Massachusetts, eleven years ago, I have called the owner, Jim Mercer, on several occasions to inquire about the odor of the water that often smells and tastes swampy or earthy. He has always explained the unpleasant odor and taste by saying it was due to the “pond turning over.” At other times, the water is so overly chlorinated, it turns your eyes red after a brief shower.
I recently voiced my concerns at a meeting in Housatonic before members of the State DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and James Mercer regarding his petition to increase our water rates by 34 percent. At that time, I suggested the Housatonic Water Works may not be the” best Steward” of this important water supply. They have operated for many years without public oversight and without any accountability to the taxpayers or their customers.
Since making those remarks at the meeting, several individuals have related stories to me about incidents where they have been intimidated by the Housatonic Water Works Company. This includes being forced to pay thousands of dollars to repair broken water mains near their houses and commercial properties.
I do not believe the Mercers have been good stewards of our water supply. I believe the state should take a closer look at the quality of our water and a closer look at their business practices beyond the “accounting aspect” of the business.
Furthermore, I would like to ask that some type of public oversight be put into place. This family has monopolized and profited from our water supply for many years. In view of recent publicly owned water supply disasters around the country, I think it is reasonable to ask that the state help us with monitoring the Housatonic Water Works Company, a privately owned water company that has reportedly not conducted business for the greater good for many years.
Tonight, the Great Barrington Town Board of Selectmen plan to meet in executive session with the Housatonic Water Works Company. It concerns me that so few are meeting behind closed doors to discuss important matters that concern so many.
Jane Wright
380 Park Street N
Housatonic, Massachusetts
