Some Barrington residents have noticed something strange about Volpe Pond recently.

A number of people who have driven by the pond say the water has changed color.

"It's a pewter gray color," said a North Lake Drive resident. "It's been like that for a little while."

Learn more about the landfill capping project.

Nestled into the intersection of Maple Avenue, Upland Way and Middle Highway, the pond has never drawn the distinction of having the cleanest water in town. In fact, its close proximity to nearby roadways has left some folks concerned about the health of the pond.

But when the water at Volpe's appeared to turn gray about a week ago, people started calling the town hall and the department of public works. Barrington DPW director Joe Piccerelli said there is a simple explanation behind the pond's color change.

"It's the clay," said Mr. Piccerelli.

The director said clay that is being used to cap the former landfill just east of the pond washed downhill into the water. More than 30,000 cubic feet of clay has been trucked into the former landfill and has been spread across the parcel, which fills a large section of property between Upland Way and Maple Avenue.

The director said heavy rain and a breach at a retention pond on the site carried clay into Volpe's Pond. Mr. Piccerelli said the clay is safe, and while the water may look bad (or at least gray), there is no detrimental impact to the water quality.

"The clay is so fine that it's sitting on the surface," he said. "It might take a little while but it will settle to the bottom. There's no harm to anything."

Mr. Piccerelli said nearby Brickyard Pond used to serve as a clay pit for making bricks. He said that pond has plenty of clay in it. 

Work began last summer on capping the former town landfill. Crews removed top soil and then put down a plastic liner over the rubbish. About 18 inches of clay was placed on top of the liner and eventually six inches of loam will be put down on top of the clay and then hydro-seeded. 

When the work is completed, the landfill will have built in swales and storm water controls. 

Frozen fix

A recent cold snap eliminated some of the concerns surrounding the pond's color — its frozen, snow-covered surface looked much the same as any other pond or lake.