08/14/2026
County Commissioners Highlight Anticipated Falmouth Water Supply Shortage Highlights Regional Challenge
Falmouth officials reported that Long Pond, the town’s primary surface-water source and part of the Cape Cod Aquifer system, provides approximately 60% of Falmouth’s water supply and has not returned to normal water levels.
Water demand can reach approximately 12 million gallons per day during peak summer periods, compared with about 3 million gallons per day in winter. The strain was evident around the Fourth of July and is appearing again ahead of the Falmouth Road Race, Inc., when officials said the town’s population can climb from roughly 35,000 to between 100,000 and 110,000.
Falmouth is currently under a Level 2 drought irrigation ban. Town officials are considering stronger conservation and enforcement measures, exploring additional water sources and planning a broader discussion involving local boards and departments about water, development restrictions, infrastructure expansion and public safety.
“We’re headed down a path that’s not sustainable right now,” Falmouth Select Board member Doug Brown told Commissioners.
More here: https://www.capecod.gov/2026/08/12/barnstable-county-commissioners-elevate-water-supply-and-carrying-capacity-as-regional-priority/
