AMHERST — Closed to swimming for the past two weeks due to high levels of E. coli bacteria, Puffer’s Pond is unlikely to reopen as a place for people to cool off this summer, according to town officials.
Samples are taken from both the North and South beaches each week and processed at the Amherst wastewater treatment plant, with tests determining whether bacteria levels are too high to allow swimming. That first happened this summer in mid-July.
But part of the testing includes a geometric mean that extends over five days, and with bacteria levels remaining high in most recent weeks, the likelihood of getting below state thresholds is diminishing.
“Several recent samples have been high enough that they will continue to affect the overall average for weeks to come, even if a single future water quality test shows lower E. coli levels,” a message on the town website reads. “This means that while water quality may improve, the pond may still not meet the state’s swimming standard. Based on recent test results, it is possible that swimming may not be recommended for the rest of the season.
Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek said the recent “flashy storms” are likely to blame, causing sediment from the surrounding woods and trail network to enter the water.
The water is tested from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ziomek acknowledged that officials were excited in the early part of the season, when conditions were dry and tests allowed the pond to stay open.
Puffer’s Pond closing shows the limited resources the town has, with no charge for people to come to the beaches, and free parking along the street.
“It’s been challenging without a budget,” Ziomek said.
The town has been evaluating whether there are problems upstream affecting the pond, and eventual dredging, part of the capital plan, is seen as a solution. Ziomek said more than two decades of sediment have accumulated, meaning the pond is both shallower and warmer.
