BERLIN, Vt. -
On Wednesday, the City of Montpelier took a step to make sure its drinking water remains safe.
Recently the Vermont Supreme Court ruled the city couldn't stop people from fishing, boating and swimming on Berlin Pond.
While the court said the city couldn't stop people from doing those things, the city decided it can try to stop people from getting to the water.
For fishermen, who haven't cast a lure here in at least 85-years, Berlin Pond is a dream.
"You know there's got to be some big fish in here. You just know it. You just got that gut instinct," says Leo Williams, a fisherman.
But this has become a nightmare for people in Montpelier who have relied on the pond for their drinking water for 130-years.
"My question is, this is our water supply and this is important and how are we going to secure it?" says Angela Timpone, Montpelier City Councilor.
On Wednesday, the Montpelier City Council tried to figure out what to do in response to a recent ruling from the Vermont State Supreme Court. The court ruled the city does not have the right to stop people from fishing, boating and swimming here.
"We have a few concerns, invasive species being in there," says Todd Law, director of public works.
Law says people and boats could contaminate the pond and the city's water supply.
"We have essentially been in a holding pattern to coordinate our response," says Chief Anthony Facos, Montpelier Police Department.
Facos says because the city owns most of the land around the pond officers could patrol the it and kick people out who are trespassing. That leaves just a small area on the water's edge not owned by Montpelier and would still be open.
"As long as it's open, I'll be here many more times because I want to get that one big bass," says Williams.
The City of Montpelier will also look at long-term solutions to stop people from using the pond again. But for now, they hope warnings and possible citations from police protect their water.
