Prior to the SRCC’s monitoring program, there was little actual data on the water quality of the Saco, Ossipee, and Little Ossipee Rivers. Infrequent testing by the State of Maine indicated that water quality had improved, but no organization collected data often enough to analyze more deeply. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) still tests physical parameters in the Saco River at six separate locations once every five years. The Saco River Corridor Commission now tests both physical and chemical parameters at 42 sites 10-20 times per year.
The original hope for this program was to collect and store data for use by towns in the Corridor and for the State of Maine and to help us refine and/or reform our regulations to meet the current needs of the rivers and citizens in the Corridor. Having frequently collected data allows us to create a picture of the river systems. Over time, this kind of testing can show trends in water quality and identify problem areas along the river, if any. This program enables a more informed decision-making process and timely responses to potential threats.
Not only do we monitor for the overall health of our rivers and the communities that enjoy them; we monitor to inspire others to become involved and be informed as to what we can do as a community to sustain our natural water sources.
Interested in collaborating with the SRCC for an exciting learning experience at your educational institution?
Students will get out in nature, learn how to use state-of-the-art equipment to test for important water quality parameters, and discover what those values mean in terms of maintaining healthy rivers!
Reach out to Executive Director, Cheri Dunning, for more information on how you can get your students involved in this unique, environmental education opportunity.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the office for more information.