The Town of Barnstable is not currently pursuing any solutions for Long Pond. Financial and human resources are focused on the State mandate for a comprehensive wastewater treatment plan (sewers) to address the flow of excess nitrogen into our estuaries.
Past efforts to improve the health of Long Pond have included:
Past efforts to improve the health of Long Pond have included:
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1. Floating Treatment Wetlands (“FTWs”)
FTWs are artificial platforms filled with aquatic plants which sit on the pond’s surface. They may improve water quality by removing, through the plants’ root systems, excess phosphorus that fuels cyanobacteria growth. In May 2024 the Town of Barnstable, with assistance from Friends of Long Pond volunteers, initiated a pilot study to determine the extent of phosphorus removal of FTWs. Samples of plant shoots and roots were collected in the fall of 2024, spring of 2025, and fall of 2025 to track phosphorus content. The wetlands were removed in October 2025 and evaluated by SMAST (UMass Dartmouth.) There was found to be insufficient removal of phosphorus to warrant full-scale implementation. |
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2. Sewers
The Town of Barnstable has begun to implement it’s 30-year comprehensive wastewater management plan by installing sewers, beginning at the eastern end of the town. Our neighborhood is projected to be sewered in 20-30 years. Thus, this is a long-term solution.
3. Stormwater Improvements
In 2020, Friends of Long Pond brought to the Town's attention five storm drains which were funneling storm water runoff from the roads through underground pipes into Long Pond. The Town allocated $300,000 to replace these problematic drains, and the work was completed in the spring of 2021.
The Town of Barnstable has begun to implement it’s 30-year comprehensive wastewater management plan by installing sewers, beginning at the eastern end of the town. Our neighborhood is projected to be sewered in 20-30 years. Thus, this is a long-term solution.
3. Stormwater Improvements
In 2020, Friends of Long Pond brought to the Town's attention five storm drains which were funneling storm water runoff from the roads through underground pipes into Long Pond. The Town allocated $300,000 to replace these problematic drains, and the work was completed in the spring of 2021.
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