Town Info & Video Update

The Sandwich Health Department is advising the community that in addition to regular weekly testing of the salt and freshwater bathing beaches the Health Department will monitor certain ponds for Cyanobacteria. The Health Department has endorsed an MOU with the Association for Preservation of Cape Cod (APCC) for Cyanobacteria monitoring in Lawrence Pond, Upper and Lower Shawme Pond, Peters Pond, Snake Pond, Spectacle Pond, and Triangle Pond. Results will be reported to the Health Department, Initial June testing results, for these ponds, indicates a LOW Warning for Cyanobacteria. The Town of Mashpee is testing Mashpee/Wakeby Pond and we have been notified that testing and visual observation has resulted in Cyanobacteria counts in Mashpee/Wakeby Pond. An advisory has been posted to notify swimmers not to ingest the pond water and to prevent pets form entering posted waters at Ryder Cove.

Beach goers and dog walkers should be aware of Cyanobacteria also known as Blue Green Algae,  which can occur as water temperatures warm.  Cyanobacteria will appear to resemble a green paint in the water. Ingestion of Cyanobacteria can cause serious illness for you and your pet.

Additional information about cyanobacteria is available from the State Department of Public Health, Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod in the Information Links tab on this page.