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Water Utility Accused of Intimidation and Misinformation

October 04, 2024 | Great Barrington, Berkshire County , Massachusetts


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Water Utility Accused of Intimidation and Misinformation
During a recent government meeting, a resident raised serious concerns regarding alleged intimidation tactics employed by Houstonic Waterworks, particularly in relation to water quality issues. The individual recounted an incident where a representative, identified as Richard Gullick, approached his wife at their home, attempting to extract information while she was preoccupied with her daughter. The resident expressed skepticism about the legality of Gullick's actions and criticized the company's approach to addressing community concerns.

The resident highlighted a troubling assertion made by Gullick, who claimed that consuming manganese in drinking water is acceptable, citing that many men over 50 consume more manganese through supplements than what is present in Houstonic Waterworks' supply. The resident countered this claim, emphasizing that their young daughter should not be forced to choose whether to consume manganese, and pointed out that existing scientific evidence contradicts Gullick's assertions regarding the safety of manganese and other contaminants.

Furthermore, the resident criticized Houstonic Waterworks for failing to invest in necessary infrastructure, such as greensand filters, which could improve water quality. He argued that it is the responsibility of utilities to provide safe and suitable water for their customers, rather than shifting the financial burden onto consumers.

The resident concluded by condemning the tactics used by Houstonic Waterworks and the Mercers, who own the company, describing them as part of a long-standing pattern of intimidation and manipulation within the community. He commended the health board for their efforts in addressing these issues, urging others to remain vigilant and informed about the situation.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
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