Residents of Great Barrington voiced their concerns over water quality during a recent government meeting, highlighting issues related to discolored water and the aging distribution system. Several community members shared personal experiences, emphasizing the emotional toll that water safety has on families.

One resident recounted investing in an expensive water filtration system due to ongoing concerns about water quality. They noted that while some homeowners have taken measures to ensure their water is safe, the responsibility for maintaining the waterline often falls on individual homeowners, leading to frustration.

Sharon Gregory, another resident, urged officials to focus on areas with older pipes, suggesting that targeted sampling could help identify the sources of complaints regarding water discoloration. She referenced a 2021 AECOM report that mapped the distribution system and expressed concern over the slow pace of pipe replacements in the area.

Toby Stanton raised questions about oversight of waterworks repairs, seeking clarity on who is responsible for ensuring that repairs are conducted properly and requesting a list of completed repairs. He also inquired about the installation of bladder systems within the water infrastructure.

Rich Montana shared his family's struggles with discolored water, describing the anxiety it causes as they worry about the safety of their young child. He criticized the lack of timely notifications regarding water quality issues, stating that he has been told by the water company that his concerns are not emergencies.

Denise Forbes reported a troubling incident involving high levels of haloacetic acids in her water, which she discovered through independent testing. She highlighted discrepancies in water quality testing results, noting that her water appeared clear during an official test but had previously been brown and contained manganese.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among residents for improved transparency and action regarding water quality issues, as many expressed a desire for more proactive measures from local authorities to ensure safe drinking water for the community.