Fresh Pond is the the aquifer, the largest exposed portion of Shelter Island’s groundwater, the only source of drinking water on Shelter Island. Each year, 100 million gallons of fresh water flow through fresh pond and into our creeks, estuaries and bays.

Fresh Pond has been awarded a $65,000 grant by Suffolk County complementing the earlier $260,000 awarded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the pilot phase of our long-term deep water cleanup — now fully funded! The Fresh Pond Neighbors Association will continue to sample, test, clean up surface waters and post observations to keep everyone safe while the permananent solution is underway.

Periodic blooms are caused by high levels of phosphorus at the bottom of Fresh Pond. Blue-green algae from the deep waters can carry a supply of phosphorus nutrients from the bottom up with them. Algal mats feed develop in the sediments and float up to the surface. This is why it is essential to clean up the bottom of the pond to insure safe conditions for recreation, for pets, and for wildlife and to keep the aquifer clear of contaminants. With the completion of pilot phase funding we will soon begin that process.

Over time, the equipment we we will install will eliminate the phosphorus problem at the bottom of the pond and reduce nitrogen flowing into our creeks and bays as much as roughly 25 advanced septic systems. It will take a few more years of work, but we can make a permanent change for our community, our kids, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for generations to come. 

Our citizen science efforts, now in an eighth year, are supported by the NYS Federation of Lake Associations and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Fresh Pond can be a beacon of hope – showing us what Shelter Islanders can do if our communities pull together.

We are doing it with your generous help and support…