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The cape, and especially the outer cape from Chatham to Provincetown, is geographically dynamic as sands from Race Point and northern parts of the cape are constantly being swept southward. This has been occurring since the last ice age. The problems with the camps around Nauset beach and the property lining Pleasant Bay are in jeopardy due to this shifting, the breach of the south beach in a recent nor'easter, and possibly also to rising sea levels. However, the earth has been warming for the past 5,000 years and during this time sea levels have been rising, this is just nature.
The intrusion of sea water into fresh water aquifers, if it is occurring, would pose a serious problem for much of the outer cape regardless of whether it is due to changing geology, climate warming or both. For example, much of Provincetown's fresh water supply comes from wells on the property of the old coast guard station on Dewline Rd. in Truro. Should the salinity in that aquifer ever exceed safe limits, it would impact all of Provincetown's residents, not to mention the tourist industry.
Living in Truro, and being on a private well, this topic is obviously of interest to me. While my property is about 120 feet above sea level at last survey, the well is 130 feet deep.
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