Water Quality

As homeowners around Long Pond, it is up to all of us to do our part to help maintain Long Pond’s beauty and safety for current and future generations. Two of the most important steps we can take to reduce our impact on the Pond’s water quality are maintaining septic systems and reducing or eliminating the use of fertilizer on property especially near the water. These steps are key to avoiding imbalances which can result in the overgrowth of plants and Cyanobacteria.

For more information:

• Association to Preserve Cape Cod - Freshwater Ponds

• Cape Cod Commission - Ponds & Lakes

• Barnstable Clean Water Coalition - How You Can Help

• Mass Alternative Septic Systems Test Center: https://www.masstc.org/

Water Testing

The Town of Barnstable partners with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) to conduct routine pond testing across the Cape. APCC conducts bi-weekly sampling using the EPA’s Quality Assurance Project Plan for cyanobacteria monitoring. The results are communicated on their website as either “Acceptable”, “Potential for Concern” or “Use Restriction Warranted”. Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment (BCDHE) conducts precise toxin measurements on ponds that APCC have determined have increased levels of cyanobacteria. The BCDHE posts advisories if toxins are present at a level that is harmful to pets or humans. Signs for Long Pond are posted at the two Town Landings (Piney Point Drive and Horatio Lane).

For more information and to sign up for alerts go to: https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-science/cyanobacteria/cyanobacteria-alert/