It is an aquifer that is constantly bubbling up from the ground. It is somewhat enclosed in a wooden container. It is located next to Shawme Pond. People from all over the cape come to this spring.
Nearest Address
130 Main Street
Directions from Nearest Address
Downtown Sandwich next to Shawme Pond and the Old Grist Mill.
I’ve been drinking the water consistently for 25 years. I only use tap water for showering and laundry. I am interested in the water tests also. Not for bacteria levels as it has never made me sick but rather in the chemical levels, after all the issues with the base. My Parents have also been drinking it for 25 years and there in there late 70’s with no significant health issues. So i think that’s a good sign.
Most Home Depots have some sort of display “TEST YOUR WATER” essentially, it a company that wants to sell you some kind of filtering system; BUT, you can send in a water sample and they call you with the results. Granted, it’s not as comprehensive and one hired; but, it’s a good place to start for free. We took advantage of it to see if we were getting out money’s worth on our counter top water filter.
I’ve heard some pretty conflicting reports about the water there. I used to get it all the time and loved it, but now I’m pretty leery. There is another spring a few miles from that one where the water comes up a pipe right near the ground. I heard they do not test for pathogens and proximity to the base is an issue.
The pinpoint on the map link is way off; the actual coordinates are (41.758000522142275, -70.50042226910591). The spring is located right at the town center where Main St and Water St/Rt-130 intersect. The closest address is 130 Main Street, it’s right outside the Sandwich Town Accountant building. You’ll see a short wood structure (2-3 ft high) with three spickets; one bubbling water straight up like a fountain, and another two pointed sideways to fill up larger bottles. Constantly flowing, I filled up a 30 gallon carboy in less than two minutes, maybe even less than one. The water is absolutely delicious, even two weeks later!
I have never been to a spring or had water from one, but with all the info I get on tap and bottled drinking water I am looking for a natural water to give my kids. This is safe to drink with any kinf of filter? I assume so if you have been drinking it for 65 years:) I just worry about pollution and animal waste???
Hi Lois,
I just started using the spring and am would like to get the water tested for chemicals. I checked at Town Hall and read the annual tests that they get done for e coli. I spoke with the Health Officer who said that tests have been done for chemicals, but I didn’t see any. I’d like to get the names of a few people who use the water and would split the cost of testing. Kindly give me a call if you like to do this. My # 508-292-3381 in Falmouth
The water was super cold and we were told the water was tested often. The spring is right at the town square where the river connects with the old mill.
This spring is very much still in use and the box is well maintained. Many many people come to use it and I’ve often had to wait in line when filling up. I started drinking it a few months ago. The water is absolutely delicious but I noticed when I switched to it that I generally felt thirstier than usual and I wondered if it was too acidic. I finally remembered to ask the people who work in the aquaculture lab at my job if they’d check the ph for me and i was bummed to learn that it’s 5.6.
I too have been using this spring for years and have met folks who have come long distances due to the quality and reputation of the water. However, I have recently become concerned and found this website hoping for updates since the new construction. I heard a rumor that the re-construction done not long ago; months only, damaged the surrounding structure and it was now being directed and filtered from the duck pond. They had heard it was also tested but didn’t know the results. I definitely am holding back until I hear more or have it tested. I do have a shower filter (so imp) as every 10 min in a shower soaks a gallons worth of drinking tap water into your system. Of course RO is best if you have your own home for entire house.
Hi,
Has there been any recent reports as to whether this spring is still available and safe to use? Just discovered this website and am eager to try it out!
thanks!
Jodi
UMass has a low cost test available for water but they only test it for agricultural use (watering the garden) not for drinking water (there might be some additional requirements if you want to test for drinking.)
Drinking pure spring water is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Our bodies are over 99% water at the molecular level, so water affects every aspect of our biology. Yet, not all water is created equal. Almost all the bottled spring water available is pasteurized for shelf stability, which neutralizes many of the powerful health benefits such as increased hydrogen, healthy probiotics, and crystalline structure. For more about why unprocessed spring water is the best water to drink, read this.
The best way to guarantee you are getting real unprocessed spring water is to collect it yourself. This is a short and simple guide filled with information about how to gather spring water. We will cover how to find a spring, how to collect the water, how to honor the spring, how to store the water properly and other tips.
FindASpring.org is the best resource for locating a spring near you. However, not all springs are on the map. First, check the map to see if there is a spring in your local area. If there is, look at the reviews and comments. Has anyone shared helpful information about flow rate or posted a water test result? Is the spring in a pristine area? Do a bit of research and make sure the spring is safe to drink from. If you have any doubt about the purity, don’t risk it and get a water test, HERE. If you don’t see a spring on the map in your area, there still might be some that aren’t listed yet. First, ask the older generation who have lived in your area a long time if they know. You can also ask people in your community who might already get spring water such as people at a health food store or at a farmers market. Another great option is to view A US forest service map, where many springs have been marked. You can view these maps through the Gaia GPS or All Trails hiking apps on your phone. The map overlay you want is USGS Topo. Not all are easily accessible or ideal for drinking, but some are and it can be a fun adventure to find them. We have found over half a dozen great springs this way.
Once you’ve found your spring, figure out how you are going to gather the water. Is it right on the side of the road and easy to access or do you have to hike to it? We recommend storing spring water in glass instead of plastic to preserve the purity of the water. It is better for the environment, your body, and the water. Even BPA free plastic has toxic chemicals that can leach into water and cause health issues. If you do want to use plastic for safety reasons when filling at the spring, we recommend transferring the water to glass as soon as possible. FindASpring is sponsored by Alive Waters, which offers beautiful reusable glass. They have a 2.5 gallon option, which is a convenient size for carrying that isn’t too heavy. They also sell handles that you can use to transport the jugs even more easily. If you have to hike to access the spring, we recommend putting the water jugs into an extra large backpack to hike the water out with ease. We use Osprey packs that hold 2 jugs each. You can also use a wheelbarrow or even a stroller depending on how easy a walk it is.
Filling 2.5 Gallon Alive Waters Jug
When you get to the spring, remember to first give back before you take. Springs are considered sacred in indigenous cultures around the world for their life giving water and also as a connection to the inner earth. A powerful and simple way to give back is to clean up. Is there any trash that needs to be collected? Could you move any dead leaves or sticks to improve the flow rate? Show up in service. Some other wonderful ways to give is with a moment of expressing verbal gratitude, singing songs to the water, offering the water an ethically sourced crystal, a feather, or some other physical gift. Flowers are a popular and beautiful thing to offer, but please be careful to source organic ones as most flowers from the store are sprayed with pesticides and can be toxic to put near a spring. Also, flowers can attract bugs as they decay, so it can be best to offer them to the flowing water directly or a little downstream from the spring head.
When gathering the water, fill the jug as close to the spring head as possible, never gather downstream. Be very careful as wet glass is extremely slippery. Make sure the lid is securely fastened. When transporting the spring water home, the jugs can sometimes slide around the car. Secure them in place or wrap them with towels or something so they don’t crash into each other.
How you store your spring water is essential. It is not pasteurized like spring water from the store, so it will start growing algae if left in direct sunlight. This is good because it means it’s alive! If the water you drink can’t even support the most basic life forms, how do you think it will support your body? Store your water in a cool, dark place such as a dark corner, pantry or closet. The fridge is ideal if you have room. Some people prefer to filter their water through a Berkey filter before drinking, but if the spring is pure, it’s not necessary. We drink our spring water completely unfiltered.
How long the water stays good for depends on how cold a temperature it’s stored at. Spring water is best fresh. We personally do not prefer to drink spring water past 2 weeks old. However, we know other people that will drink it at a month old. It’s great to get in a rhythm where you know how long the water lasts you and put your collection day on the calendar in advance.
I believe that water is calling us to reconnect with her in the deepest way, to gather our own water. Just like our ancestors did. Our ancestors didn’t have fancy water machines. They also didn’t create villages or settle where there was no water. Water was revered as the center of the community and the nodal point around which life could spiral out and take root.
Here’s to restoring the sacred connection with the waters of life.
Written by Dakota Chanel. Water Priestess and Ceremonialist. DakotaChanel.com
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Old Grist Mill Spring, Sandwich, MA
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I’ve been drinking the water consistently for 25 years. I only use tap water for showering and laundry. I am interested in the water tests also. Not for bacteria levels as it has never made me sick but rather in the chemical levels, after all the issues with the base. My Parents have also been drinking it for 25 years and there in there late 70’s with no significant health issues. So i think that’s a good sign.
Most Home Depots have some sort of display “TEST YOUR WATER” essentially, it a company that wants to sell you some kind of filtering system; BUT, you can send in a water sample and they call you with the results. Granted, it’s not as comprehensive and one hired; but, it’s a good place to start for free. We took advantage of it to see if we were getting out money’s worth on our counter top water filter.
Has the water been tested for bacterial contamination and chemicals, such as those that might have come from Otis? If so, are test results available?
I’ve heard some pretty conflicting reports about the water there. I used to get it all the time and loved it, but now I’m pretty leery. There is another spring a few miles from that one where the water comes up a pipe right near the ground. I heard they do not test for pathogens and proximity to the base is an issue.
Does anyone know how close to the spring the plume is? My concern is with the plume from the military base.
Has anyone thoroughly tested this water. Would love to see results.
Thanks, jim
The pinpoint on the map link is way off; the actual coordinates are (41.758000522142275, -70.50042226910591). The spring is located right at the town center where Main St and Water St/Rt-130 intersect. The closest address is 130 Main Street, it’s right outside the Sandwich Town Accountant building. You’ll see a short wood structure (2-3 ft high) with three spickets; one bubbling water straight up like a fountain, and another two pointed sideways to fill up larger bottles. Constantly flowing, I filled up a 30 gallon carboy in less than two minutes, maybe even less than one. The water is absolutely delicious, even two weeks later!
I love the water from this spring. I have been visiting this Spring at least once a week for a couple of years now.
I am 65 years old, and have been coming here for water about 65 years. My parents got all their drinking water here.
I have never been to a spring or had water from one, but with all the info I get on tap and bottled drinking water I am looking for a natural water to give my kids. This is safe to drink with any kinf of filter? I assume so if you have been drinking it for 65 years:) I just worry about pollution and animal waste???
Hi Lois,
I just started using the spring and am would like to get the water tested for chemicals. I checked at Town Hall and read the annual tests that they get done for e coli. I spoke with the Health Officer who said that tests have been done for chemicals, but I didn’t see any. I’d like to get the names of a few people who use the water and would split the cost of testing. Kindly give me a call if you like to do this. My # 508-292-3381 in Falmouth
The water was super cold and we were told the water was tested often. The spring is right at the town square where the river connects with the old mill.
This spring is very much still in use and the box is well maintained. Many many people come to use it and I’ve often had to wait in line when filling up. I started drinking it a few months ago. The water is absolutely delicious but I noticed when I switched to it that I generally felt thirstier than usual and I wondered if it was too acidic. I finally remembered to ask the people who work in the aquaculture lab at my job if they’d check the ph for me and i was bummed to learn that it’s 5.6.
I suggest this site be updated. Many people who use this spring would certainly appreciate , as would I.
I too have been using this spring for years and have met folks who have come long distances due to the quality and reputation of the water. However, I have recently become concerned and found this website hoping for updates since the new construction. I heard a rumor that the re-construction done not long ago; months only, damaged the surrounding structure and it was now being directed and filtered from the duck pond. They had heard it was also tested but didn’t know the results. I definitely am holding back until I hear more or have it tested. I do have a shower filter (so imp) as every 10 min in a shower soaks a gallons worth of drinking tap water into your system. Of course RO is best if you have your own home for entire house.
87HFQF5X+6R
That is the + code for maps.
Hi,
Has there been any recent reports as to whether this spring is still available and safe to use? Just discovered this website and am eager to try it out!
thanks!
Jodi
UMass has a low cost test available for water but they only test it for agricultural use (watering the garden) not for drinking water (there might be some additional requirements if you want to test for drinking.)