Flushing of the Pittsfield’s Water System: May 13-17

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Monday, May 13 marks the start of phase three for the spring flushing schedule of the City of Pittsfield’s water system.
 
Water mains throughout the city will be flushed through hydrants over the next several weeks to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. Mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, except holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This phase of flushing is expected to occur between May 13 to May 17.
 
For Tuesday, only, there also will be early morning flushing activity from 3-6 a.m. The impacted area includes South Street from the South Street/East Housatonic intersection to Park Square; North Street from Park Square to Wahconah Street; Wahconah Street from North Street to Charles Street.
 
Flushing is to be expected to affect the following areas:
  • Several 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 neighborhood streets in-between (i.e. Boylston Street, Cadwell Road, Lebanon and Cole avenues).
  • West Street from Park Square continuing to Fort Hill Avenue and all neighborhood streets in-between.
  • 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 which would include the Highland and Ridge avenue neighborhoods.
 
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.
 
Flushing is an important operating procedure that contributes significantly to the maintenance of the water quality in the water distribution system. The city appreciates your patience during this time.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Ex-Miss Hall's Teacher Indicted on Rape Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former Miss Hall's School teacher accused of sexually assaulting students at the girls' school has been indicted by a Berkshire grand jury.
 
Matthew Rutledge, 63, was indicted on Tuesday on three counts of rape following testimony provided by Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon, former students.
 
Pittsfield Police opened an investigation into Rutledge in 2024. Rutledge was alleged to have sexually assaulted students while serving as a teacher at Miss Hall's School dating back to the 1990s. In October 2024, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office announced that there were no charges able to be brought forward at that time; however, the office kept the investigation open. 
 
In late fall 2024, Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue took over the investigation, then tasked a team of special prosecutors and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, including resources from the Unresolved Cases Unit, to continue investigating the allegations.
 
In 2025, a summary of a report authored by Aleta Law Firm was released to the public. The report, which was commissioned by the Miss Hall's Board of Trustees, consisted of numerous interviews examining the school's culture. The report detailed a pervasive and chronic pattern of inappropriate staff conduct.
 
Using information gathered by both the DA's Office and the Aleta report, the team of special prosecutors say they found Rutledge to have violated state law. 
 
"It took a long time to get to Tuesday's indictment. I commend the prosecutors and detectives who worked tirelessly to bring this case forward," said Shugrue in a statement. "Most of all, I would like to recognize and commend Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon for their bravery and continued cooperation throughout this long, arduous process. 
 
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