Beach & Pond Water Quality Testing

Last Content Update:

Ponds With Active Cyanobacteria Blooms

As of May 1, 2023  (updates posted on Thursdays or as conditions change)

  • Cyanobacteria Advisory Skokes Pond effective 5/1/2023

Visual observations provided by the Department of Marine and Environmental Affairs (DMEA) indicate the presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) cells in the above-listed pond(s). This evidence suggests that the level of cyanobacteria in the water may exceed the MDPH guidelines (PDF) for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts. Accordingly, as recommended by MDPH, a public health advisory is being issued by the Plymouth Public Health Department. Signage will be posted at public access points, where available to warn individuals against contact with the water. View Cyanobacteria Sign (PDF). An advisory can not be lifted until the bloom has been visibly clear for two consecutive weeks.

Find more information on cyanobacteria.

To report a cyanobacteria bloom: Take a photo, document the location and email Plymouth Public Health or email Plymouth Marine and Environmental Departments.

Public Bathing Beaches - Test Results

Under Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations for beaches, beach operators must sample bathing water at all public beaches for bacteria each week, using the Enterococcus indicator organism. Under that regulation, beach sampling is conducted weekly during the swim season.

Beach Sampling Results As Of 5/25/23

  • Fresh Pond (Open 6/24/23-8/13/23): Not open yet
  • Hedges Pond (Open 6/24/23-8/13/23): Not open yet 
  • Morton Park (Open 5/27/23-9/4/23): PASSED
  • Plymouth Beach (Open 5/27/23-9/4/23): PASSED
  • White Horse Beach (Open 6/20/22 to 8/21/22): Not open yet