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Water Quality

Water Quality

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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. 

Clean Beaches and Streams →

Clean Beaches and Streams NEW

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. 

Greenscapes →

A beautiful backyard with a rain garden.

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. 

Stormwater Practices →

Rain barrel next to a rain garden

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 

Water Quality Data →

pH Map of Salem Sound Water Quality

Green Boating

We worked on behalf of Salem Sound with the harbormasters and five communities Marblehead, Salem, Danvers, Beverly and Manchester-by-the-Seato 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. 

Green Boating 

View of Beverly Harbor from Dead Horse Beach in Salem, Massachusetts

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.