Programs & Projects
The Town of Barnstable and the Barnstable Department of Public Works (DPW) is committed to protecting our environment, improving water quality, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water resources. Through strategic planning, community investment, and interdepartmental collaboration, we are leading multiple water-related programs and projects designed to safeguard our ponds, lakes, estuaries, and groundwater.
Explore the major programs and projects we manage.
Watershed Management
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP)
The Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) is a town-wide, state approved, science-based plan to protect Barnstable’s coastal waters, ponds and drinking water by managing nutrient pollution from wastewater.
Sewer Expansion
Phase 1 Sewer Expansion Projects
Currently the Town is implementing Phase 1 (Years 0-10) of the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP). Phase 1 consists of 18 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.
Wastewater Treatment
Water Pollution Control Facility Upgrades
In April 2024, Barnstable Town Council approved a $109M construction appropriation to facilitate upgrades to the Town’s Water Pollution Control Facility. The construction contract is currently out for public bid and is anticipated to break ground in the Fall of 2025.
Upgrades are anticipated to be completed in two phases, the first of which will include the construction of a new Headworks Facility and nitrogen removal improvements which consist of the installation of a four stage Bardenpho process and membrane bioreactors. Upgrades to the effluent pumping systems and identified facility and infrastructure upgrades will also take place. Check back soon for a dedicated project page!
Future Planning
Adaptive Management
We regularly review monitoring data, regulatory guidance, and community feedback to help the Town adjust its adaptive Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan accordingly. Currently, the Town is preparing its first 5-Year Adaptive Management Update, to be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) in early 2026.
Learn more about the Town Council established CWMP Ad Hoc Committee dedicated to discussing alternative technologies, financial challenges, and the changing environmental landscape.
Additional Resources
Alternative Technology
Explore Current Best Available Nitrogen Reducing Technologies
Water Quality Monitoring
Learn more about our embayment and freshwater monitoring programs.
Sewer Connection
Review the process and costs associated with sewer connection.