Barnstable County Spotlights Water Quality Programs and Services during National County Government Month
April 3, 2023 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County, the Regional Government of Cape Cod, is celebrating National County Government Awareness Month in April. This year the County is focusing on raising awareness of its multi-faceted regional network of educational, testing, and monitoring programs that safeguard the region’s water resources.
“Water is Barnstable County’s most vital natural resource and Barnstable County Government has taken a strong role in protecting it,” said Mark Forest, Chair of the Board of Regional Commissioners. “My fellow Commissioners and I share the belief that we all need to work together when it comes to protecting our drinking water and our coastal waters, including our bays and estuaries. Barnstable County is also here to partner with residents and towns to provide financial assistance that helps safeguard our water quality.”
The month-long public awareness campaign will highlight the County’s regional role in monitoring beach water quality, protecting the public from environmental contamination of Cape Cod’s drinking water, surface water, or groundwater, and how it offers low-to-no interest loans to provide a financial lifeline to residents in need of a septic system upgrade or a sewer connection.
A webpage was created that spotlights the County’s water quality programs, including links to county programs, water protection podcast, and water quality trivia questions to test people’s knowledge. There will also be a social media campaign with daily posts throughout April.
In addition, there are two signature events for the public to celebrate National County Government Month – an art contest, and the annual Cape Cod Canal clean-up:
- The Cape Cod Water Protection Art Contest: Barnstable County has invited all Cape Cod students from grades 1 to 12 to participate in an art contest that will complete the prompt: “Protecting water on Cape Cod is important because…” Students are encouraged to use their imagination in creating artwork to complete that sentence. The contest will run until May 31st. Details are available at www.capecod.gov/art
- The 2023 Cape Cod Canal Clean-Up: The public is encouraged to join AmeriCorps Cape Cod and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in celebrating Earth Day at the 22nd Annual Cape Cod Canal Clean-Up on Saturday, April 22nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The clean-up will start at the Herring Run Recreation Area, 810 Scenic Highway, Bourne, and will go on whether it rains or shines. Clean-up supplies and lunch will be provided to all who participate. For details and registration visit capecod.gov/canal-cleanup
For more information on Barnstable County Government’s Water Quality public awareness campaign, please visit www.capecod.gov/water.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
