The e-coli sample from Monday, August 7 at Mansion Beach reached 332 CFU/100ml (colonies per 100ml of water), well above the state limit of 235 for safe swimming.  

Wayland Health Department has posted signs warning the swimming or wading the Mansion Beach area is unsafe.   E-coli levels are higher this week in all other Dudley Pond locations sampled by the Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee:  76 CFU/100ml at the Outlet, 56 near 123 Dudley Road, and 180 near the Chateau.  

E-coli levels will be checked weekly, and the signs will be removed when the levels fall below the state limits.  For weekly details, check the SWQC Facebook page  (or clink the Facebook link from the Surface Water Quality Committee's town web page)

E-coli counts typically rise as waters warm over the summer, and tend to spike after rainstorms. Shallow areas with less water mixing tend to have higher e-coli levels.  Efforts to keep waterfowl off Mansion Beach have been partially successful, and poop-patrols have removed their leavings – but they are likely prime contributors.  

The failed septic system near 123 Dudley Road continues to be pumped weekly under order from the Board of Health and is not considered to be a factor.

2011-08-08 e-coli test results

Source:  Mike Lowery, Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee