Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring for the 2024 season began on May 20, 2024. Should a Town waterbody fail to achieve an acceptable result, advisories will be posted below via a Town of Barnstable Water Quality Report as well as shared on the MyBarnstable mobile app, via social media, and posted at the waterbody site.
Town of Barnstable Water Quality Reports
August 28, 2024 | UPDATE: Additional Lake Wequaquet Beaches Added to Public Health Advisory
As of Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 8:06 AM, the following water quality alerts have been issued: Additional beaches at Lake Wequaquet, Centerville will be posted with Public Health Advisory signage due to increased growth of Cyanobacteria. These beaches include:...
August 27, 2024 | Public Health Advisory Issued for Multiple Lake Wequaquet Beaches
The following water quality updates have been issued for Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 5:27PM: A Public Health Advisory has been issued for the following Lake Wequaquet Beaches: Public Beach located at Shootflying Hill Road, Jimmies Beach, and Lake Wequaquet Yacht Club...
August 24, 2024 | UPDATE: Kalmus Beach is Re-Opened to Swimming
As of Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 1:44PM, Kalmus Beach has been re-opened to swimming.The re-opening comes after a water re-test sample collected reported appropriate conditions. If you have any questions or would like additional updates, please contact the Town of...
Cyanobacteria Monitoring Map
Understanding the Problem
When a dramatic increase in a cyanobacteria population occurs, this is called harmful algal blooms (HABs). This often results in the waterbody turning bright green or blue-green, and forms a surface scum or a discoloration of the water column. CyanoHABs may also form a mat on the bottom sediments, making it more difficult to observe. The surface scums or discolored waters can extend several inches below the water surface, or accumulate near shorelines and in coves as a result of onshore wind activity. They often look like pea soup or spilled, blue or green paint; however, the color can also vary. CyanoHABs can cause dissolved oxygen swings that may result in plant and animal die-off, taste and odor issues, and can cause potential public health issues from the cyanotoxins they may release.
![Cyanobacteria Warning](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/button-if-its-green-fb.jpg)
Cyanobacteria on Cape Cod
Protect Yourself and Your Pets
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SCUM.png)
Algae Contact
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/DRINK.png)
Do Not Drink
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CHILDREN.png)
Children
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/sign_icons_package.pptx.png)
Stay Out
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PETS.png)
Pets
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SHELLFISH.png)
Shellfish
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SWIMMING.png)
Swimming
![](http://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FISH-GUTS.png)
Fishing
Stay Informed
When in doubt, it’s best to keep out! Learn more about cyanobacteria by reviewing related materials and resources from trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and more.