Our Work
CPWB works on the root cause of the Bay’s decline, nitrogen pollution, through advocacy, wastewater solutions, community science and education.
Projects
Hands-on projects around the watershed, and how you can take part.
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Storm Drain Adoption
Adopt a storm drain near home, check it once a year and after heavy rain, and log what you find. Volunteers are mapping all 1,680 drains in the Waquoit Bay watershed.
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Moonakis River Restoration Study
In 2022, CPWB commissioned a team to develop a plan to bring back the Moonakis River, one of Waquoit Bay’s most polluted tributaries, using better septic systems, plant upgrades and stormwater fixes.
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Dog Waste Bag Dispensers
Since 2020, CPWB has installed and stocked free dog waste bag dispensers at trailheads, landings and swim areas around Waquoit Bay, keeping pet waste out of shellfish beds.
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Saving Washburn Island
In 1981 neighbors formed CPWB to stop a plan for about 50 private estates on Washburn Island. Eighteen months later the state took the 330-acre island for a public park.
Advocacy
CPWB works directly with town boards of health, select boards, conservation commissions, and state agencies to strengthen the regulations and policies that protect Waquoit Bay. We appear at public hearings, submit comment letters, and build coalitions with peer organizations to amplify our voice. Recent efforts include advocating for stricter nitrogen standards for septic systems in Mashpee, participating in the state environmental review of proposed developments in the watershed, and supporting legislation to make septic upgrades more affordable for homeowners.
Wastewater and infrastructure
Septic systems are the single largest source of nitrogen pollution in Waquoit Bay. CPWB advocates for the expansion of sewer service into the Bay’s watershed, promotes the adoption of innovative nitrogen-reducing septic technologies, and researches cost-effective alternatives that could bring service to underserved areas.
Community science and stewardship
CPWB organizes hands-on projects that connect community members with the science of Bay restoration. Our initiatives include stormwater runoff mapping, salt marsh conservation efforts in partnership with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR), and public education campaigns on fertilizer reduction and pet waste management. See our current projects above.
Education and outreach
We publish our newsletter, maintain a social media presence, host community events, and present at our annual meeting. Through these channels, we keep the public informed about the state of the Bay, the science behind its decline, and the concrete steps everyone can take to help.