Current Water Bodies with Cyanobacteria Advisories in Falmouth:
Ashumet Pond - As of 9/7/2023, Ashumet Pond is under a cyanobacteria advisory based on cell counts found above the MA DPH threshold of 70,000 cells/ml.
MDPH recommends that individuals do not contact the water when a visible scum or mat is present, the total cyanobacteria cell count exceeds 70,000 cells/ml of water, or the microcystin level equals or exceeds 14 parts per billion (ppb).
Weekly report from the Association to Preserve Cape Cod
2023
Falmouth Biweekly report 11.6.23
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the Week of October 30, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly report 10.24.23
Falmouth Biweekly for the Town of Falmouth Week of October 16th 2023
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the Week of October 09, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the Week of September 18, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the Week of September 4, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the Week of August 28th, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the Week of August 14, 2023 (2)
Falmouth Biweekly report for the week of August 7th, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly report for the week of July 31st, 2023
Falmouth Biweekly report for the week of July 17th 2023
Falmouth Biweekly Report for the week of July 10, 2023
FALMOUTH CYANOBACTERIA REPORT 6-5-2023
Falmouth Cyanobacteria Sampling Report 6-19-2023
Falmouth Bi-weekly Report for the Week of 7-3-23
2022
2021
About Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, are commonly found in the phytoplankton community of aquatic ecosystems. They form the base of the food web of freshwater ponds and streams that flow into coastal estuaries and the ocean but occasionally they grow rapidly in fresh water and form scums or mats in the water. Some blooms can produce toxins harmful to people and animals. Blooms on Cape Cod are most common in summer and early fall. Cyanobacteria blooms can change the water’s appearance from slightly discolored to resembling pea soup or thick paint. Blooms frequently appear blue or green but could be another color, such as brown or red. These blooms can also give the water a bad odor or taste. Health concerns from cyanobacteria blooms and their toxins include skin and eye irritation from topical exposure to gastrointestinal symptoms, liver damage and neurological damage when large amounts of toxins are ingested.
If you see water that appears to have an algae-type bloom, do not come into contact with or ingest the water. Prevent contact and ingestion by children and pets and contact the Falmouth Health Department so it can be investigated.
Causes of Harmful Cyanobacteria Blooms:
Harmful levels of Cyanobacteria, referred to as blooms, can be caused by a combination of factors including warm water temperatures and high nutrient levels from sources such as fertilizer, human waste from leaking septic systems, storm water runoff and pet and wildlife waste.
Please refer to the following links for more information:
Association to Preserve Cape Cod:
https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-science/cyanobacteria (Includes map showing test results for a limited number of Cape ponds)
Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-for-cyanobacteria-in-freshwater-recreational-water-bodies
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/identifying-cyanobacterial-blooms-and-scums-photographs-of-blooms-and-scums
