Groundwater Sustainability Study
Chebeague is reliant on a sole source aquifer that, if contaminated, would pose a significant public health risk. Water quality degradation has been a concern since at least the first groundwater study conducted in 1988, and climate change is raising new challenges as sea level rise exacerbates the risk of saltwater intrusion. By evaluating the current state of Chebeague’s groundwater supply and establishing mechanisms for ongoing monitoring, this groundwater sustainability study will help inform future climate-smart land use practices to protect our water supply in the face of development and climate pressures.
1
Well Study
CCAT provided a survey to every homeowner to build out an accurate well inventory, updated from the island's last groundwater study in 2005. The new database corrects spatial errors and reformats data to facilitate GIS mapping and analysis.
2
Well Sampling
CCAT members and community volunteers conducted an island-wide well sampling program. Well water was tested for bacteria and sodium chloride, and an ongoing water quality monitoring program was established.
3
Findings
Based on geospatial analysis from the well study and water quality insights garnered from well sampling, CCAT will communicate findings about the capacity of the island’s aquifer as well as its potential vulnerabilities in the face of continued development and climate change risks, including saltwater intrusion.