Pittsfield Announces Phase Three of Spring Hydrant Flushing Schedule

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield's water system will begin phase three of its spring flushing schedule on Monday, May 5.

Water mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, excluding holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This phase is anticipated to last from May 5 to May 9.

On Monday only, early morning flushing will also occur from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The affected area includes South Street from the intersection of South Street and East Housatonic Street to Park Square; North Street from Park Square to Wahconah Street; and Wahconah Street from North Street to Charles Street.

Flushing is expected to affect the following areas:

  • Various locations along Park, King, and Onota streets near Von Nida Street, Walnut Street, Fort Hill Avenue, South Street, and Velma Avenue.
  • All of West Housatonic Street from South Street to Callahan Drive and all adjacent neighborhood streets, including Boylston Street, Cadwell Road, and Lebanon and Cole avenues.
  • West Street from Park Square to Fort Hill Avenue and all connecting neighborhood streets.
  • Several locations along Center Street, Valentine Road, Pecks Road, Thomas Island, Upper North and outer Wahconah streets, Lakeway Drive, and Linden Street.
  • Hancock Road starting at the North Street intersection, encompassing the Highland and Ridge Avenue neighborhoods.

The city's Office of the Mayor stated that while flushing may cause temporary discolored water and reduced water pressure in the immediate vicinity of the flushing, measures will be taken to maintain proper treatment and disinfection levels within the water system. Residents who experience discolored water are advised to run their water for a short time until it clears before using it.

Residents experiencing persistent discolored water or low pressure are asked to contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.

The city noted that flushing is a standard operational procedure that plays a key role in maintaining water quality within the distribution system and expressed gratitude for residents' patience during this process.

 


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Pittsfield ConCom OKs Stairs at Pontoosuc Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Shoreline access stairs are coming to the south side of Pontoosuc Lake. 

Last week, the Conservation Commission approved an amendment to the Order of Conditions for work at Pontoosuc Lake Park.  There will be two stair sets on the south shoreline, and additional bank stabilization. 

In 2025, the park's south side saw new stairs from the parking lot, a boardwalk, and other improvements.  Later phases of the project will enhance the north side of the park for swimming, and remedy a concrete barrier wall that is partially underwater. 

"Generally, what we're looking to do at Pontoosuc Lake Park is install some stair sets in two locations to help folks access from up above the bank, over the bank, and into the water," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained during the July 23 meeting. 

"We're sensitive to some of the issues that are currently existing on the bank, and we're also sensitive to some of the needs for lake recreation out there."

Stairs for water access will be placed on the shoreline at the beginning of the boardwalk, where it is highly eroded, and the second staircase will be at the extreme western end of the project area, which has around 100 feet of highly eroded bank. 

Additional brush layering will also stabilize the bank. 

An area near the boat ramp where live stakes were vandalized will see them replanted after the ConCom found some of the bank erosion was worse than believed on a site visit last year. 

The city originally proposed not replanting the area where live stakes were removed. 

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