Housatonic Water Works Faces Legal Battle Over Manganese Levels

PITTSFIELD, MASS. – (NEWS10) The town of Great Barrington is urging a judge to uphold a nuisance order that would require Housatonic Water Works (HWW) to provide bottled water to its customers, following concerns over elevated manganese levels in the water supply. The hearing concluded this week, with the judge expected to deliver a decision on Monday.

At the heart of the issue are manganese levels that have spiked to more than double the acceptable standards set by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. While the water company insists the water is safe to drink, many residents are concerned about the potential health risks.

Jim Mercer, whose family owns Housatonic Water Works, acknowledged that the discolored water is unappealing but maintained that it poses no health risks. “The water is safe to drink, even if the color is off-putting,” Mercer said.

To understand the health implications of elevated manganese levels, I spoke with a doctor who resides in Great Barrington. The doctor explained that while manganese is a naturally occurring element, too much of it can be harmful. “Manganese is present in the environment and even in our bodies,” the doctor said. “But when levels become too high, it can cause neurological symptoms, similar to Parkinson’s disease, and affect the development of the nervous system.”

Residents of the area say water issues are nothing new. One local remarked that conditions have worsened over the past few years. “In the last couple of years, the water conditions and quality have deteriorated significantly,” one resident noted.

Another resident, Maureen Quigley, described the inconsistency in the water’s appearance. “Every day is different,” she said. “Some days it’s yellow, some days it’s brown, and some days it’s almost like sludge. It’s disgusting.”

At a town meeting on Wednesday, Mercer addressed the community and presented a plan for the town to acquire Housatonic Water Works. “The acquisition of Housatonic Water Works is a crucial step in enhancing our community’s water management,” Mercer said, proposing that the purchase be funded by all taxpayers.

The decision expected on Monday will determine whether the town’s nuisance order and the requirement to supply bottled water will stand.

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