IMPACTED AREAS

Many do not realize how vast the Bass River watershed actually is and may believe it’s a problem only for those fortunate enough to live directly on the river.

what is a watershed anyway?

By definition, a watershed is a region or area bounded peripherally by a divide and draining ultimately to a particular watercourse or body of water. 

What does that mean to you?

First it’s important to understand the scope of its size. The Bass River watershed covers:  

• 10,835 acres
• 12,070 individual land parcels (85% which are residential)
• 21 freshwater ponds
• Three significant freshwater streams
• Involves three towns (Yarmouth, Dennis and part of Brewster)
• Two separate water districts

While these statistics are impressive, they don’t paint the REALITY of the reach into the many homes, businesses, schools and beaches. Perhaps the best way to understand and grasp the scope of this important watershed it to see it visually.

Clearly this is not just a problem for those directly on the river - a large portion of Yarmouth and Dennis (and even into Brewster) are impacted as well. Since so many of us have been drawn here by Bass River’s beauty and resources, it is up to all of us to protect and preserve it. The health and vitality of the watershed depends on us.