2026 Pond Summit Recap

The Brewster Ponds Coalition's 2026 Pond Summit was held on Saturday, June 13, at the Brewster Ladies’ Library. By all measures it was a big success! Eighty-seven people attended the event - the BPC’s largest event attendance to date - most likely drawn by the very timely topic “How Brewster Protects Pond Users from Cyanobacteria Blooms.”

The program began with BPC President John Keith giving an overview of cyanobacteria. He explained what cyanobacteria is, factors that affect its growth, where the nutrients come from that feed its growth, the bloom process, as well as exposure routes and risks. He underscored that the nature of our kettle hole ponds with low water turnover allows for nutrients to accumulate which favors blooms.

Ron Essig, BPC Citizen Science Team Leader, presented the BPC cyanobacteria monitoring program, now in its tenth year. He reviewed the history of this signature program as well as the sampling process and instruments used. He further discussed a new system in place for this season’s pond sampling program, which will ensure a timely relay of data related to potential cyanobacteria blooms to the Brewster Health Department. 

The final presentation was given by Dan Syriala, Director of the Brewster Health Department.  He provided attendees with an overview of the Department’s role in cyanobacteria monitoring and issuance of public guidance in the event of blooms. His presentation also featured an interactive exercise with the audience: he presented various images of ponds, asking for input as to whether they portrayed potential or active blooms, pollen, or other contributing factors.  

Following these three presentations was a dynamic question and answer session. It was clear by the questions raised that the public is concerned about cyanobacteria in Brewster’s ponds, and is seeking information about how it can be managed. This led to some discussion about fertilizer use, alum treatments, defective septic systems and how there are a series of both environmental and manmade issues that can affect the health of ponds, with no two ponds being alike. There also was a brief discussion about the recently-adopted revised septic system setback regulations, in place to further protect harmful nutrients entering ponds. 

To view the slides presented, please click here. And if you missed the Ponds Summit, the BPC will have a recording of the entire event posted soon on our website and YouTube channel. We will send a notification when it is available.

It is important to note that only the Brewster Health Department can issue guidance about cyanobacteria blooms. If you suspect a bloom on either a public or private pond, please contact the Department at (508) 896-3701.

The BPC thanks the Brewster Ladies’ Library for the use of its auditorium and staff assistance, and The Leighton Team (a BPC business partner) for its sponsorship of this year’s event.