Water Quality Monitoring
Each year, more than 45 volunteers collect critical data on water quality in Casco Bay. Rigorously trained in EPA-approved water sampling protocols, these Citizen Stewards collect samples at more than 25 shore-based stations, and they assist Friends of Casco Bay's staff monitor an additional ten stations throughout the Bay.
Friends of Casco Bay's staff and volunteers collect baseline data on salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, water clarity and nutrients. We have collected more than 130,000 water quality measurements since 1992, making our data set one of the most comprehensive and reliable in Maine.
The data we collect is critical as we work with businesses, municipalities, and decision-makers around the Bay to find effective ways to curb pollution.
How's the Water Quality in YOUR Neck of the Woods?
To see water quality data results for a given site, click on the site's name below. Graphs show dissolved oxygen and temperature readings from 2008 sampling.
2008 Sampling Schedule
The 2008 sampling dates (all Saturdays) are as follows: June 7, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, September 6, September 20, and October 18. On each of these days, volunteers are asked to sample at 9 am and 3 pm. Volunteers - if you have questions or cannot sample at your designated site any of these days, please contact Peter Milholland at 207-799-8574.
More About our Water Quality Work
-Toxic sediment: Friends of Casco Bay has detected toxic chemicals in the sediment around Portland Harbor. Read the report here.
Help Fund our Water Quality Monitoring Program
Your donation will support our staff and volunteers' work to sample water quality around the Bay. Just write "Water Quality" in the designation box once you get to the billing page. Thank you!
