Pond Watch Program

THE PROGRAM
The FACES Pond Watch Program performs weekly water quality monitoring at fifteen ponds in Falmouth. Program volunteers measure dissolved oxygen, water temperature, salinity and turbidity. The data are reviewed and consolidated by Dr. Chris Weidman of Waquoit Bay Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) and then published each week in the Friday Falmouth Enterprise.

HISTORY
FACES initiated the Pond Watch Program in 2006 in an effort to stimulate public interest in protecting estuaries and salt ponds by making information about their health available to the public. In addition to increasing public awareness, Pond Watch monitoring provides important information to the scientific community on changes in water quality over time.

THE PROBLEM
Nitrogen from a variety of sources, including wastewater, lawn fertilizer and atmospheric deposition, enters our bays, estuaries and salt ponds and promotes excessive algal growth. The growth and subsequent decomposition of the algae causes a decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, as well as other negative changes, including increased turbidity and loss of biodiversity. Declining DO levels adversely impact populations of fish, shellfish and many other aquatic organisms, and ultimately, the species that depend on them, including people. Polluted water bodies also threaten property values and Falmouth’s future as a tourist destination.

GET INVOLVED
The Pond Watch Program is always looking for new volunteers. If you would like to get involved, or simply learn more about the program, please contact Ted Schmuhl at (781) 929-9803 or teds@cape.com, or contact the FACES staff at info@facesfalmouth.org.

Also, please check out our Summer 2011 Newsletter for information on ways you can reduce your nitrogen footprint.

DOWNLOAD THE PONDWATCH FLYER TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES.