Salinity

What Can Salinity Measurements Tell Us?

In Georgetown, a town impacted by both fresh water, from rivers and from the land’s surface, and salt water, from the ocean, salinity measurements are key to identifying where that water is coming from.  Water with low salinity suggests that there is a large impact from the Kennebec River, Sheepscot River, and town of Georgetown.  High salinity water suggests that the impact is from offshore and tidal areas.  As we test other characteristics, including pH, DO, and Nitrate/Nitrite/Ammonia, salinity measurements can help us to understand the sources of differences we may note.

Testing for Salinity

Salinity will be tested using a hydrometer.  Because salinity is a very stable water characteristic, samples will be collected in the field in 1 L bottles and brought back to the Georgetown Town Hall for analysis.