Currently, the Town is operating within Phase 1 (0-10 Years) of the CWMP. Phase 1 is broken down into multiple individual sewer collection system projects and additional sewer extensions that will result in roughly 90 miles of new sewer infrastructure. Once complete, Phase 1 will remove approximately 44% of the nitrogen impacting our  waters.

Since 2018, the Town Council has appropriated over $270 Million in support of projects identified in the Plan. This includes the recent appropriation of $109 Million to enhance the Water Pollution Control Division’s treatment plant, which will enable the construction of a new headworks facility and upgraded nitrogen removal technology that will ultimately bring the next generation of wastewater treatment to the heart of Barnstable.

In April 2024, Barnstable Town Council approved the appropriation of $109 Million to fund proposed improvements to the Town’s wastewater treatment plant. Construction is anticipated to be completed in two phases, the first which is on schedule to break ground in the Fall of 2025.

Phase 1 will include the construction of a new headworks facility and nitrogen removal improvements, which will consist of the installation of a four stage Bardenpho process and membrane bioreactors. With additional upgrades to the effluent pumping systems and related infrastructure, the Phase 1 work will reduce the average effluent concentration of nitrogen from the facility’s current 6 milligrams per liter +/- to an average concentration of 3 milligrams per liter or less. The upgrades will also provide the foundation needed for the plant to quickly adapt to future treatment regulations for things such as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs).

The Town of Barnstable, with support from several organizations and citizen volunteers, conducts robust water quality monitoring programs for embayments, ponds, and lakes.

Specifically, the Town’s embayment monitoring data is provided directly to the Cape Cod Commission, per the requirements associated with its 208 Plan Consistency Determination. The Cape Cod Commission then integrates the data into the Cape Cod Water Quality Data Portal, for public viewing.

The Hyannis Water System, which is owned and operated by the Town of Barnstable and Barnstable Municipal Water Supply Board, addresses PFAS contamination in its water system through activated carbon filtration. This treatment was first implemented in the Spring of 2015 at various wellfields, treating the issue directly at the source.

Through quick action, the Hyannis Water System was able to lead the charge in PFAS treatment and today treats 100% of its wells to below detectable levels. The treated water meets all Federal and State safe drinking water standards.

The Town of Barnstable has developed robust outreach initiatives, aimed at educating residents, visitors, and business owners about the critical need for the CWMP. From the Homeowner’s Sewer Connection Guide and CWMP Annual Report, to a dedicated email newsletter and regular briefings with Town Council, civic associations, and special interest groups, community engagement remains a vital piece of the plan’s success.