Continuous Stream Monitoring Program

Most of the rain that falls in an urban setting lands on impervious surfaces such as streets, parking areas, and residential rooftops. These impervious surfaces result in runoff that is collected and conveyed by a system of catch basins, ditches, and pipes. In most circumstances this system discharges stormwater directly to the nearest stream.

The Continuous Stream Monitoring Program was developed to better understand the effects that stormwater runoff has on streams in Salem’s urban environment. This proactive solution allows the City to monitor flow and water quality in Salem streams as they flow through city limits. Each monitoring station includes a pressure transducer for stage readings, a multi-parameter datasonde equipped with five different water quality sensors, and automated data acquisition system components. The stations collect data for the following parameters:

• pH
• temperature
• turbidity
• specific conductivity
• dissolved oxygen
• stage height

Data is transmitted to a Network Monitoring System 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. There are presently nine continuous monitoring stations in Salem; three on Mill Creek, two on Pringle Creek, two on Clark Creek, and two on Glenn Creek. Two additional stations are scheduled to be installed on Battle Creek in 2008.

Real-time provisional data from these stations can be queried by clicking here. Finalized data site is under construction.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) measures were adopted fall 2006 to ensure that data collected at the monitoring stations satisfy Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines. The QA/QC plan can be reviewed by clicking here.

Additional questions concerning the City of Salem’s Continuous Stream Monitoring Program can be directed to Heather Dimke or Justin Boyington at 503-588-6063.