Fall River officials report stable Watuppa reservoir levels; cyanobacteria advisory remains

Fall River officials reported July 15 that reservoir levels at North and South Watuppa ponds are within seasonal targets but that a 2018 health advisory for blue‑green algae (cyanobacteria) remains in effect.

Paul Furlan, administrator of community utilities for the City of Fall River, told the City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs that “as of today, North Watuppa top of pond is negative 15 inches, 15.5 inches below full pond, which halfway through July is a very good position to be in.” He said South Watuppa was “20.6 below full pond,” improving from about 26 inches below full earlier this season.

The report matters to residents and recreational users because city staff consider a South Watuppa range between 18 and 24 inches below full pond a good balance between protecting waterfront properties and allowing boating, Furlan said.

Furlan said the Copacup pump has been operating since about July 2 to transfer water into North Watuppa to help maintain reservoir levels. He also warned that warm weather and…