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Category: Water and Wastewater

A Summary of Title 5 Regulation Changes

The Problem: Nutrient Pollution from Septic Tanks on Cape Cod DID YOU KNOW? The majority of homes on Cape Cod–more than 85%–use septic systems for wastewater treatment. While septic systems […]

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Barnstable County Community Health Newsletter, 6th Edition

As we wrap up a busy summer season on Cape Cod, it’s important to focus on one of ourmost important environmental health issues–water quality. August is National WaterQuality Month and […]

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WCAI’s The Point | Recycling Urine to Solve our Wastewater Problem

The state and EPA have mandated that the Cape manage wastewater to prevent nutrient overload in our ponds, estuaries and embayments. Alternative septic systems and sewering are both expensive options. […]

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Early morning fog at Santuit Pond boat ramp.

Pollution is threatening Cape Cod’s famous waters. Its towns are spending hundreds of millions to head off an environmental disaster.

By Beth Treffeisen, Boston Globe BARNSTABLE — The beauty of its placid bays, estuaries, and ponds draws millions of visitors to Cape Cod each year. But deteriorating water quality is […]

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Photo of Bourne Town Hall, Photo Credit Gene M. Marchand/Enterprise

Bourne Exploring Use of Management Firm for Septic Systems

By Michael J. Rausch, Bourne Enterprise When it comes to the complex topic of Title 5, it seems like everyone could benefit from a little guidance. That seems to be […]

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Viruses from wastewater cultured on a petri dish at MASSTC.

MASSTC Studies Viruses and Bacteria in Wastewater to Help Keep Our Groundwater Safe

Wastewater is a veritable jungle of microscopic organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Our colleagues at the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) are interested in understanding how effective conventional […]

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Heavy Rains on Tuesday could Impact Beach Water Quality throughout the Week of August 8th

On Tuesday, August 8th, between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Cape Cod experienced severe weather including a tornado warning and torrential rain. In a small amount of time, several inches […]

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‘Pee-Cycling’: One Way of Thinking Outside the Bowl

Cape towns consider the practical and the possible to reduce nitrogen BY NICHOLAS MILLER, The Provincetown Independent | JUL 26, 2023 WELLFLEET — Kim Cobart of the Falmouth Pond Coalition stood in […]

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Teacher-in-Residence Program comes to MASSTC

The Cape Cod Regional STEM Network’s Teacher-in-Residence Program pairs Pre-K–12 teachers with STEM-rich organizations across the region to explore STEM beyond the classroom. Barnstable County’s Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) […]

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