Water Quality
Water Quality
Initiatives for a Clean and Healthy Watershed & Ocean
Salem Sound Coastwatch monitors the water quality of Salem Sound through multiple programs and initiatives year-round. We are always in need of more volunteers and citizen scientists to join our efforts!
Clean Beaches and Streams
We, along with our volunteers, monitor local stormwater outfall pipes and streams to determine if bacteria from illicit connections, leaking sewers, or septic systems are getting into the Sound. Over the past three decades, we have worked with local cities and towns to locate and fix many faulty sewers and septic systems, resulting in a cleaner ocean. Bacterial test results are shared with the watershed’s municipalities as well as the public.
Greenscapes
With our partners in the Greenscapes North Shore Coalition, we work with local communities to promote and protect landscapes for clean and plentiful water. Together with our Greenscapes municipalities, we provide a unified voice with consistent environmental outreach and education to our residents, businesses, commercial businesses, developers, industrial institutions, and schools.
Stormwater Practices
The best way to reduce stormwater runoff is to keep rain and snow onsite by mimicking the natural flow of water with infiltration and evapotranspiration. Across the North Shore, best stormwater practices are being implemented to do just this. Learn how it is possible to decrease stormwater runoff and improve the quality of water entering our ponds, rivers, and ocean.
Salem Sound Water Quality
Salem Sound Coastwatch has engaged in studies to understand the water chemistry, sediments, and benthic fauna of Salem Sound. In 2019 – 2020, baseline data was collected to help formulate a long-term monitoring plan tailored to Salem Sound. Monitoring helps track progress in the condition of eelgrass and important estuarine resources.
Green Boating
We worked on behalf of Salem Sound with the harbormasters and five communities –Marblehead, Salem, Danvers, Beverly and Manchester-by-the-Sea – to designate Salem Sound as the first North Shore No Discharge Area (NDA) in 2008. Read more about what this means and more ways to be a boater who protects our ocean.
Volunteers make the difference!
Sign up as a volunteer and let us know you are interested in our Water Quality monitoring programs. We will get in touch about our training sessions and testing locations.