VOLUNTEERS. MEASUREMENT. STEWARDSHIP.
Water Monitoring
Tracking the health of Silver Lake.
Regular sampling and testing help SLAM identify changes in water quality and build a long-term picture of lake health.
WHY MONITORING MATTERS
Why we monitor
Regular, consistent monitoring helps SLAM recognize changes in Silver Lake and build a record that can be compared over time.
Consistent monitoring lets SLAM catch changes in Silver Lake's water quality early, before small shifts become larger problems. Volunteer sampling on the lake and testing afterward work together to keep a close watch on the lake's condition.
Every reading also adds to a long-term record of lake conditions, giving SLAM a clearer picture of how Silver Lake is changing over time.
Silver Lake Right Now
These are the most recent observations from SLAM's ongoing monitoring program on Silver Lake. Each reading includes its posting date, so you can see how current the information is.
Water pH: 6.5
September 19, 2026
Surface Layer: 18 feet
September 19, 2026
Water Clarity: 23 feet (7 m)
September 19, 2026
Lake Condition: clear
September 19, 2026
Water Level: Normal
September 19, 2026
Water Temperature: ~69.4 F
September 19, 2026
What we measure
Together, these measurements help build a picture of the lake’s physical conditions and water chemistry, gathered through SLAM’s volunteer sampling, testing and annual UNH assessment.
Water temperature · Water clarity · Lake stratification
Chlorophyll · Phosphorus · pH / acidity · Alkalinity
From lake to lab
Two connected activities, with volunteers at the heart of both.
A University of New Hampshire freshwater biology team visits Silver Lake annually for more extensive testing.
01 / ON THE LAKE
Water sampling
SLAM volunteers monitor six established locations around Silver Lake throughout the season, alternating between Full Sample weeks and Secchi Disk weeks
On Full Sample weeks, volunteers collect water samples, record water temperature at different depths, and measure water clarity with a Secchi disk. On Secchi Disk weeks, volunteers return to the same locations to measure water clarity.
Once a year, a University of New Hampshire freshwater biology team visits Silver Lake to test the full range of measurements shown above.
Consistent monitoring at the same locations helps SLAM track changes in lake conditions over time
Each sampling team contributes approximately three hours per year.
02 / IN THE LAB
Water testing
Six surface-layer samples are tested for pH, alkalinity and chlorophyll every two weeks from June through September. A dedicated team develops a consistent, efficient process for each session, which generally takes 1.5–3 hours and must be completed within 24 hours of sample collection.
UNH collects the data sheets and frozen samples at intervals.
Practical details for testing volunteers +
Testing needs a dedicated team of at least two people to develop a consistent, efficient routine. The season could be split between two teams covering four test weeks each.
There are two tubs of equipment for the three tests. Volunteers need space to set up the lab in a controlled environment, store the equipment afterward, and freeze small sample bottles.
Flexibility, steady hands and good eyesight are important. After testing, rinse and dry the sample bottles and deliver them to the next team. Keep the data sheets and frozen samples for UNH to collect at intervals.
Careful testing connects each day on the lake with a lasting record.
Where & when we monitor
SLAM monitors six locations around Silver Lake on a recurring schedule throughout the warmer months. Use the interactive map below to see the sampling locations, and the calendar to check the current sampling schedule.
Water sampling locations
Water sampling calendar
Documents & resources
This library contains monitoring instructions, worksheets, data sheets, schedules and other LLMP (Lake Lay Monitoring Program) materials used by SLAM volunteers.
Help monitor Silver Lake
Silver Lake's monitoring program depends on volunteers who give their time to gather consistent, reliable information about the lake. There are two ways to take part.
Water sampling
Join a volunteer sampling team. The current program describes a commitment of approximately three hours per year per team.
Water testing
Help with recurring June–September testing sessions, generally 1.5–3 hours each, coordinated with sample collection.