Clean water

Newly proposed septic rules that could require thousands of Cape Cod homeowners to upgrade or replace their septic systems in the next five years sparked heated debate last night at a virtual public meeting.

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) released its fourth annual "State of the Waters" report this week. It shows water quality has declined on the Cape — again.

The association says it will be ready to go to court, if necessary, before Pilgrim owner Holtec International is finished using the water.

The work will help ensure safe drinking water after a boil-water order last year that lasted for weeks in some parts of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District.