Stockbridge Water Commission Moves to Boost Reservoir Security After Unauthorized Access Incidents

Water · Meeting of July 7, 2026

LENOX — Stockbridge Sewer and Water Commission moves to address reservoir security after two unauthorized access incidents in two weeks. At the July 7 meeting, water department staff identified as Mike reported that a person had been found fishing from the Lake Averick causeway and a landscaper had been caught pumping reservoir water into a hydroseeder — the town's only drinking water source. The commission directed staff to consult a local security firm about motion-activated cameras, explore updated signage through their regular vendor Voss Signs, and revive a prior recommendation to the Select Board to close the Lenox Water Supply Road alongside the reservoir.

Members also learned that an emergency water interconnection with the Town of Lee, installed in the 1950s under Route 102, has never been tested and may not be operational, with Mike noting "I don't even know if the bolts or anything in there would even hold together." A multi-street utility reconstruction project covering Elm, Maple, South, and Laurel Lane streets was reported to be approaching bid-ready status at an estimated cost pushing $4 million.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,721 words

Source: the Water meeting of July 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.