Both Beaches at Puffer’s Pond Are Again Open for Swimming
Beach at Puffers Pond. Photo: amherstma.gov
The latest water quality test results for Puffer’s Pond show that both South Beach and North Beach meet state standards for safe swimming conditions. Testing on August 5 yielded results of 48.7 MPN/100 ml at North Beach and 111.2 MPN/ 100 ml at South Beach. The state limit for safe swimming is 235 MPN/100 ml. Last week, North Beach was closed to swimming with a reading of 307.6 MPN /100ml.
The town conducts weekly water quality testing during the swimming season (Memorial Day – Labor Day). The most recent results are typically posted by Wednesday afternoon on the Puffer’s Pond website. If testing reveals any cause for concern, such as high levels of E. coli bacteria, the town will post signage at Puffer’s Pond and post alerts on the website and social media.
The Amherst Public Health Department is the entity charged with making the decision about closure for swimming and is the point of contact for questions. The Public Health Department can be contacted by emailing publichealth@amherstma.gov or calling 413 259 3077.