Public safety notice: cyanobacteria bloom
Great Hill Pond currently has an active cyanobacteria bloom. A community-collected sample from the western shoreline tested positive for cyanobacteria and microcystins on 8/12/2026, and Chatham Health District has indicated it is preparing to post a formal advisory to swimmers.
Until Chatham's advisory is posted, avoid any water that looks solid green or blue-green, avoid contact with any mats, films, or scums along the shoreline, and keep children and pets away from those areas.
We will share Chatham's official advisory here as soon as it is posted.
About Us
Portland's Hidden Gem
Friends of Great Hill Pond is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and improving the health and recreational value of Great Hill Pond in Portland, Connecticut. Our community depends on this cherished natural resource for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and gathering.
Through community fundraising, conservation efforts, and environmental monitoring, we work to ensure Great Hill Pond remains vibrant and accessible for residents and visitors for generations to come.
