Monponsett Pond - Algae Test Results - July 17

On Monday, July 17th, MassDEP collected water samples on East and West Monponsett Ponds.  The samples were analyzed by MassDEP on July 19th.  The East Monponsett sample, collected at the Rt 36 boat ramp in Halifax showed cyanobacteria levels of 440 cells/ml.  The West Monponsett Pond samples showed cyanobacteria levels of 27,000 cells/ml at 4th Avenue Beach and 45,000 cells/ml at the state boat ramp, all below the MDPH guideline level of 70,000 cells/ml. According to MDPH guidelines, samples collected a week apart with levels below the guidelines are required before the advisory should be lifted. The result above will be considered the first low sample, and MassDEP will sample at the water body again next week. We recommend that the current advisory remains in place for now. Please let us know if you have any questions.

As a result of this testing, West Monponsett is closed until at least July 27, 2017. The Pond should not be used for swimming, boating, fishing, jet-skiing, etc. The Town will put up temporary signs at the 4th Avenue boat landing, 5th Avenue beach, and State Boat Ramp at Route 58 with more permanent signs posted later this month.