PUFFERS POND CLOSED TO SWIMMING

Puffer’s Pond is closed to swimming until further notice, due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. The Town will be testing regularly and monitoring levels, with results being posted to www.amherstma.gov/puffers. Questions can be directed to the Town Manager’s Office at (413) 259-3002.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals. Most are harmless, however, some E. coli are pathogenic, and can cause illnesses, such as diarrhea or urinary tract infections, among other problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. SIgnificant rainfall can wash pollutants into storm drains, which make their way into waterways and cause bacteria levels to rise above safety levels set by state and federal governments..

Puffers Pond water test results can be found here.