Cape Cod Water Quality Report Released

Jan. 6, 2022

Microplastics from wastewater, storm water runoff and atmospheric fallout were deemed a concern in the report.

A new report found that surface water quality and groundwater throughout Cape Cod has degraded for the third year in a row.

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod's annual State of the Waters report was released Jan. 3, which tracks the water quality of the Cape's freshwater ponds, marine estuaries, and public drinking water.

APCC graded water resources including:

  • Coastal waters in embayments and estuaries;
  • Freshwater ponds and lakes; and
  • Public water supplies for drinking water. 

According to the report, most of the Cape’s coastal embayments and many freshwater ponds and lakes are suffering from water pollution. The report indicates that the Cape’s waters suffer from pollution due to: nutrient pollution, harmful bacteria, harmful algal and cyanobacteria blooms, mercury pollution, emerging contaminants and more.

On Cape Cod, excess nutrients originate largely from human sources and activities. Additionally, failed septic systems including flooded septic systems are a source of bacteria.

Many of the Cape’s estuaries and embayments are suffering from eutrophication caused by excess nitrogen. 

Excess nitrogen is a result of poorly treated wastewater and fertilizers used on lawns and other area, according to the report. The excess phosphorus on Cape Cod comes from septic systems that discharge phosphorus into groundwater that enters ponds and lakes, which is carried into ponds and lakes in storm water runoff. 

The 2021 embayment grades showed an increase in the number and percentage of unacceptable embayments compared to previous years. There were 41 unacceptable embayments, representing 87% of graded embayments. Additionally, microplastics from wastewater, storm water runoff and atmospheric fallout were deemed a concern.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have also been found in Cape Cod water supplies, groundwater, and ponds. Most homes and buildings on the Cape use septic systems.

Another observation is that climate change impacts for the Northeast are predicted to include warmer air and water temperatures year-round, which entails more intense storms and flooding.

Read related content about wastewater: 

About the Author

Cristina Tuser

Sponsored Recommendations

Benefits of Working with Prefabricated Electrical Conduit

Aug. 14, 2024
Learn how prefabrication of electrical conduit can mitigate risk, increase safety and consistency, and save money.

Electrical Conduit Cost Savings: A Must-Have Guide for Engineers & Contractors

Aug. 14, 2024
To help identify cost savings that don’t cut corners on quality, Champion Fiberglass developed a free resource for engineers and contractors.

Get Utility Project Solutions

June 13, 2024
Lightweight, durable fiberglass conduit provides engineering benefits, performance and drives savings for successful utility project outcomes.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

May 24, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.