Flushing of Pittsfield's Water System: Phase 4

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Monday, May 20 marks the final phase for the flushing of the City of Pittsfield's water system.
 
Water mains throughout the city will be flushed through hydrants to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. Mains will be flushed Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 20 to May 24.
 
The upcoming flushing for this week may be expected to affect the following areas:
  • Cascade and Churchill streets.
  • West Street from Fort Hill Avenue west including Meadow Ridge Drive, Lillybrook Road, and Westbrook Terrace.
Although flushing may cause localized discolored water and reduced service pressure conditions in and around the immediate area of flushing, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that proper levels of treatment and disinfections are maintained in the system at all times. If residents experience discolored water, they should let the water run for a short period to clear it prior to use.
 
If discolored water or low-pressure conditions persist, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.
 

Tags: fire hydrants,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Health System Blood Program Helps Shield County From National Shortage

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The American Red Cross declared its second national blood supply crisis in its history on Monday, but community members can breathe easy thanks to Berkshire Health System's blood donor program. 
 
Berkshire Medical System has always had a stationary donor center for autologous donations, which is no longer common practice, and had some O-negative blood on hand that it purchased from the Red Cross prior to having its own blood donor program, said Christine Amuso, blood donor coordinator.
 
Today, Berkshire Health System's blood donor program collects about 2,300 to 2,400 units of blood annually, all of which stays within Berkshire County to help keep local blood supplies stocked. 
 
In some years, the program has reached record collections of about 3,000 units.
 
"That [record has] only happened a couple of times since I've been employed with the program. So, we really have done wonders with the program," Amuso said. 
 
Donating blood through Berkshire Health System's program is accessible, with a donor center at the main campus and a mobile blood unit that travels throughout Berkshire County, including select Saturdays.
 
While appointments for blood donations are strongly encouraged, staff also intentionally leave scheduling gaps to accommodate additional donors who walk in without an appointment. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories