Dalton Declares Water Emergency After Line Breaks

The hole in that closed the closed Housatonic Street and sent water spewing from Pittsfield's main water line.

Update: The water emergency in the town of Dalton ended at 5 p.m. on Thursday after a water main accidently broken Tuesday during construction was finally repaired.

Work was completed around noon but the emergency was not lifted until 5 to allow "the line to become fully charged and for the Water Department to be able to use a gradual reopening of the system to prevent additional problems," according to Dalton Emergency Management.

Housatonic will be closed for now because it continues to be a construction site, taking up one of the lanes.  Police and Highway departments are working on options for partial opening.

The Dalton Water District, and the Dalton Emergency Management Department gives our thanks to the residents for there patience and assistance over the past few days.

The pipe was repaired by Pittsfield because the pipe is the main line for the city's Cleveland Water Treatment Plant.

"The repair to the main break was quickly remedied and repaired," said Mayor Daniel Bianchi in a statement. "I would like to thank all of the city employees who put so much effort into ensuring that there were no major effects as the main break was temporarily, and then permanently, repaired.  I also want to thank the residents of Pittsfield for being patient during this time."

Some areas of Pittsfield are still experiencing roiled water; customers should let the water run to clear the line prior to use.

Update: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m.

Update from Dalton Emergency Management: The system was shut down at about 4 p.m. to drain the pipe so the permanent repair could start. Normal household water use can occur but a water emergency is still in effect. Repairs should be completed and the line back on Thursday morning. Listen for messages via CodeRED.

Update: Tuesday, Aug. 5

The temporary patch is holding to allow the reserve tanks to be filled to capacity, according to Dalton Emergency Management. The pipe to make the permanent repairs has not arrived yet but the expectation it will be here Wednesday to begin repairs by the afternoon. Full repairs are epected to take more than 12  hours, with completion by Thursday afternoon.

The water emergency remains in effect until the line is permanently repaired.

Dalton and Pittsfield residents are being asked to conserve water after a water main break on Housatonic Street in Dalton, seen in this photo taken by Mayor Daniel Bianchi.

DALTON, Mass. — A water main break on Housatonic Street early Monday morning continues to affect water pressure in the area.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.