Some Examples of Problems

Halfway Pond

Summer 2002 saw serious pond weed and algae problems at Halfway Pond, one of Plymouth's Great Ponds. This indicates that the health of this large but relatively shallow spring-fed pond is very fragile. By the beginning of August, elodea pond weed had grown profusely making boating impractical. At the same time, a major bloom of toxic anabaena algae occurred turning the water a sickly green. When the pond weed and algae decayed, the obnoxious odors were noticeable hundreds of feet from the pond. This happened in spite of the constant flow of contaminated water leaving the pond and flowing down the Agawam River.

Note: You don't need to be an expert to write up your own observations about a water body with which you are familiar. Please contribute your observations about a pond that you know well.

Billington Sea

Another example is that, this summer, pond weed and algae were a serious problem again at Billington Sea. A substantial amount of local and state tax money was spent this year in removing tons of elodea weed from Billington Sea. Pond weed has been harvested periodically over the past several decades, and it will continue to cost taxpayers in the future.

Darby Pond

Darby Pond had enjoyed a long history as a clear and inviting pond. In the past few years, however, it has experienced thick algea blooms, and the water level in the pond seems especially low. Unless something is done, this pond will be in need of costly remediation as well.