Puffer’s Pond in Amherst closed to swimming

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The town of Amherst is advising residents to not swim in Puffer’s Pond due to high levels of E. coli.

A recent test of the water at Puffer’s Pond found high levels of the bacteria. It is deemed to be a result of the recent rain over the weekend. Tests were conducted on the North and South side of the pond.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli bacteria can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting within three days of eating or drinking something with the bacteria. In some cases, symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening.

The Assistant Town Manager, Director of Conservation & Development, David Ziomek tells 22News they are working to resolve the issue and bring the bacteria levels down for the safety of the community.

“The pond levels the bacteria levels will do what what they’re going to do. The high temperatures, unfortunately, don’t help us because they kind of create an environment where bacteria grow quicker in a warm, hot environment,” said Ziomek. “We are going to test later in the week and see if we can get a fresh pond open before the 4th of July.”

If swimming is still not permitted by the holiday, they’ll test again on July 8th.

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