In a recent meeting of the Great Barrington Board, officials addressed ongoing concerns regarding water quality issues affecting local residents. With 38 attendees present, the board acknowledged the historical nature of these problems, which have persisted for over a decade. The discussions highlighted a renewed urgency following a surge of public complaints and communications over the summer.

Board members noted that previous assumptions about their limited capacity to address the water quality issues were challenged after consultations with the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) and other local health boards. This led to the realization that there are actionable steps the board can take to improve the situation for residents.

The board is now poised to pursue a formal order aimed at addressing the water quality concerns, with a draft already reviewed by town council. Members expressed optimism that the edits made by the town lawyer have not detracted from the core objectives of the initiative. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that all legal aspects are thoroughly vetted before moving forward.

Additionally, the board plans to hear from a water testing specialist, James Starberg, who is expected to provide insights that could inform their approach. Board members expressed a desire to separate discussions on the notice from broader engineering considerations, ensuring that both areas are adequately addressed.

As the board prepares to open the floor for public comments, they reiterated their commitment to a careful and thorough process, acknowledging that meaningful change will take time. The meeting underscored the board's dedication to tackling the water quality issues head-on, with the aim of fostering a positive impact on the community.