Residents of Housatonic are expressing concerns over the quality of their water supply, which has been reported as brown and unsafe for consumption. During a recent government meeting, officials acknowledged the issue, attributing the discoloration to factors such as aging service lines and the presence of manganese. They assured the community that improvements are underway, including the anticipated completion of a greensand filtration plant, expected to resolve these water quality issues by fall.

Officials emphasized that the water supplied by Housatonic Water Works is compliant with regulatory standards, and they encouraged residents to review the available test results. They noted that while the utility has not faced any violations in recent years, the perception of water safety remains a significant concern for residents, who are frustrated by the ongoing issues.

The meeting also highlighted the complexities of the water system, with some service lines being privately owned and not under the utility's control. This has led to calls for a more robust flushing program to address sediment buildup in these lines. Officials confirmed that they conduct a flushing program twice a year, but acknowledged that private lines without hydrants pose challenges for maintenance.

In response to the community's concerns, officials reiterated their commitment to resolving the water quality issues and improving communication about the testing and safety of the water supply. They also mentioned ongoing discussions about potential interconnections with neighboring water districts to enhance system resilience and resource sharing.

As the town navigates these challenges, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing improvements to ensure safe and reliable water access in the future.