The Town of Great Barrington has extended a formal offer to the current owners of Housatonic Water Works (HWW) to purchase the Company, as the parties continue negotiations regarding a potential acquisition of the privately-owned water utility. This step marks a significant advancement in the Town’s ongoing efforts to address long-standing water quality concerns and build a sustainable, reliable system for residents in the Housatonic village.
While the Town acknowledges that any acquisition is a significant decision with financial, operational, and long-term implications, the offer opens the door for Town officials and HWW ownership to explore terms, conditions, and the feasibility of transitioning the system to municipal control.
“Residents have been clear that they expect a sustainable, community-first solution to the ongoing challenges with Housatonic Water Works,” said Select Board Chairman Stephen Bannon. “Continuing negotiations reflects the town’s commitment to securing a reliable, safe, and publicly accountable water future for the Housatonic neighborhood and the entire community.”
Throughout this process, transparency and public involvement will remain central; and, proposed acquisition would require future public review and formal action by the Select Board, along with Town Meeting approval as required by law.
When possible, updates will be shared through Select Board meetings, and official communications will be posted on the Town website at www.townofgbma.gov/371/Housatonic-Water-Works-Information-Resou
Liz Hartsgrove, Town Manager