Cape Cod faces water strain as drought and summer crowds push system to the brink

In Falmouth, Massachusetts, officials say dry conditions and the summer influx of people are combining to put added pressure on the town's water system.

The concern is not that the town has already run out of water. Instead, staff warns that the busiest summer periods could push the system's infrastructure beyond what it can safely support.

Here's what to know

Town staff told the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners that Falmouth's water outlook is facing added strain from drought, heavy seasonal demand, and questions about the effect of future construction, Cape and Islands reported. 

Part of that discussion involves growth. Falmouth water superintendent Matthew Lanan wrote to the planning board in opposition to two proposed Town Meeting articles because they could lead to more building and greater water use, Cape and Islands reported. 

Lanan also said Long Pond — which provides about 60% of Falmouth's water — is not refilling as quickly as officials would usually expect. Michael Reghitto, chief operator of the town's water treatment plant, said the issue has more to do with peak demand than with an outright lack of supply.

"It's not that we don't have enough water," he said. "The summer demand is way too high." 

What's being done?

Even though Falmouth is still able to meet total daily demand, Reghitto said the biggest pressure point comes in the morning, "which is primarily due to irrigation."

The town already has an irrigation ban because of drought conditions, but Lanan said enforcing it has been difficult. He told county officials that Falmouth does not have enough staff to pursue violators and does not yet have a robust enforcement system, Cape and Islands reported. 

Lanan said he plans to appear before the select board on August 31 and work with members on a fine policy he described as fair and legal.

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