Barnstable County’s Recreational Beach Monitoring Program Begins this Month!
As Cape Cod’s much anticipated beach season gets underway, Barnstable County’s Department of Health and Environment is preparing to monitor the region’s marine and freshwater beaches—just as we’ve done for more than 30 years. Our goal? Ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy the Cape’s waters safely, all summer long.
But this year, there are also a few emerging environmental health considerations beachgoers should be aware of. Here’s what to know for 2025.
Barnstable County’s Beach Water Quality Monitoring: 4,300+ Samples a Season
In 2002, Barnstable County’s beach water quality monitoring efforts were formalized and expanded following amendments to the Clean Water Act. Today, thanks to funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administered through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), our team samples and analyzes water at over 350 marine and freshwater beaches weekly—more than 4,300 samples per season.
Here’s how it works:
- Our seasonal team of six beach sampler/analysts tests marine water for Enterococcus and freshwater for E. coli, two bacteria that indicate possible fecal contamination.
- Samples are collected weekly and analyzed at our regional water quality laboratory.
- Results are compared against the Massachusetts Bathing Beach Regulations (105 CMR 445.000) standards.
- When a beach sample re-test (the sample taken after the initial failure) exceeds the limit for bacteria in bathing water, our program notifies the health agent in the town where the beach is located. They have 24 hours to ensure that the beach is closed to swimming. When the second re-test results show acceptable bacteria levels, the beach may be re-opened to swimming.
- If a beach experiences consecutive or repeated failures, the program continues to sample the beach daily (or at an interval requested by the health agent) until results come back favorable and the beach can be reopened.
REMINDER! A beach posted closed to swimming does not mean you cannot still enjoy walking on the beach, collecting seashells, building sandcastles and playing sports!
Want to track water quality this season?
- Barnstable County’s Beach Monitoring Data Dashboard: [2025 updates coming soon!]
- Massachusetts DPH Beach Water Quality Reports
Freshwater Ponds: Monitoring Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
In addition to bacterial monitoring, Barnstable County partners with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) to monitor freshwater ponds for cyanobacteria—commonly called blue-green algae. While many cyanobacteria are harmless, some species can produce toxins like anatoxin that pose serious health risks to people and pets.
Here’s how it works:
- APCC administers the monitoring program, coordinating community science volunteers who collect samples from ponds across Cape Cod. Barnstable County’s beach samplers also assist in this effort when requested.
- Barnstable County’s water quality lab provides toxin verification testing when concerning cyanobacteria concentrations are found.
- Advisories are issued by APCC when toxin levels exceed safety thresholds.
Learn more and stay updated:
APCC Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program >>>
Emerging Consideration for 2025: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
While the risk to casual beachgoers remains low, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has been increasingly detected in wild birds and coastal environments globally—including North America.
Key points for beachgoers:
According to a recent review in Science of The Total Environment, beaches can become contaminated with avian influenza viruses through bird droppings, decaying wildlife, and stormwater runoff.
- The risk of H5N1 exposure through recreational beach use is minimal.
- Avoid touching sick or dead birds. Report sightings to local authorities or MassWildlife.
- Keep pets away from wildlife and shoreline debris.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash hands before eating or after handling beach gear.
Barnstable County continues to monitor emerging public health risks and will provide updates as needed throughout the season. For more information about Avian Bird Flu, please visit our ‘Bird Flu on Cape Cod’ webpage>>>.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
From monitoring bacteria and cyanobacteria to staying ahead of emerging risks like avian influenza, Barnstable County and our partners work hard to ensure Cape Cod’s marine and freshwater beaches remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
Stay informed this season! Follow us on social media for updates, advisories, and tips to enjoy the shore safely.
