2023 Cyanobacteria Monitoring Results
Testing conducted weekly by the Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Risk Category Descriptions
Acceptable: No concerning cyanobacteria results at the time and place of sampling. To the best of APCC’s knowledge and based on our monitoring results, toxin levels are below State standards for recreational usage of the pond with respect to cyanobacteria and toxins. Map color is blue. Formerly the Low Warning Tier.
Potential for Concern: Monitoring results or the presence of cyanobacteria scum at the time and place of sampling indicate a potential for increased risk for exposure to cyanobacteria toxins approaching but below state standards. Conditions do not yet warrant the posting of a recreational human health advisory according to guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). While these conditions pose low health risks to adults, risks are higher for children or pets based on lower body mass, particularly if contaminated water is incidentally ingested. Children may inadvertently consume pond water while swimming and pet exposure can result from drinking or ingesting pond water or from grooming after swimming.
Use Restriction Warranted: Monitoring results at the time and place of sampling indicate a high risk for potential exposure to cyanobacteria toxins, based on one or more of the following MDPH guidance criteria: 1) microcystin concentration above 8 parts per billion, 2) presence of a significant cyanobacteria bloom, or 3) less than 4 feet visibility. The water is considered unsafe for people and pets. Do not swim. If you have any contact with the water, rinse off immediately.
Acceptable: No concerning cyanobacteria results at the time and place of sampling. To the best of APCC’s knowledge and based on our monitoring results, toxin levels are below State standards for recreational usage of the pond with respect to cyanobacteria and toxins. Map color is blue. Formerly the Low Warning Tier.
Potential for Concern: Monitoring results or the presence of cyanobacteria scum at the time and place of sampling indicate a potential for increased risk for exposure to cyanobacteria toxins approaching but below state standards. Conditions do not yet warrant the posting of a recreational human health advisory according to guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). While these conditions pose low health risks to adults, risks are higher for children or pets based on lower body mass, particularly if contaminated water is incidentally ingested. Children may inadvertently consume pond water while swimming and pet exposure can result from drinking or ingesting pond water or from grooming after swimming.
Use Restriction Warranted: Monitoring results at the time and place of sampling indicate a high risk for potential exposure to cyanobacteria toxins, based on one or more of the following MDPH guidance criteria: 1) microcystin concentration above 8 parts per billion, 2) presence of a significant cyanobacteria bloom, or 3) less than 4 feet visibility. The water is considered unsafe for people and pets. Do not swim. If you have any contact with the water, rinse off immediately.
Secchi Disk readings are a measure of water clarity.
Water clarity has been fairly consistent throughout the summer,
with the exception of early June when pollen clouded the water.
Numbers below reflect depth at which Secchi Disk "disappears".
