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High E. coli reading at Upper Baker Pond prompts advisory signs; portable toilet added at Lower Baker Pond
Summary
E. coli tests from July 15 showed a high reading at Upper Baker Pond (517.2); the Conservation Commission posted advisory signs and Parks & Playgrounds will add a portable toilet at Lower Baker Pond during August.
The Selectboard reviewed E. coli test results from July 15, 2024, showing elevated bacteria counts at Upper Baker Pond and lower readings at Indian Pond and Lower Baker Pond.
The lab results posted in correspondence show: Indian Pond 4.1 colony-forming units (CFU), Upper Baker Pond 517.2 CFU and Lower Baker Pond 83.3 CFU. The Conservation Commission posted advisory signs at Upper Baker Pond in response to the high reading.
Parks & Playgrounds decided to add a portable toilet at Lower Baker Pond for the month of August.
Why it matters: a single high E. coli reading can indicate potential contamination and trigger public-health advice; the board reviewed results and the Conservation Commission posted signs to inform visitors. The town did not record a formal beach-closing order at this meeting.
