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We predicted that the chloride levels in all water sources would be higher in the winter months.  Our data collection has supported our hypothesis.  Based on our data collection, we can conclude that the salt concentrations have increased from November to January. 

The chloride levels in the rediscovered springs are higher than the lake; therefore the groundwater appears to have a higher salt concentration than the lake itself.  But, that does not necessarily reflect levels of road salt used in the winter of 2006-7.  Water samples reflect present and past salt use practices because groundwater moves slowly.  Meaning that, the groundwater that is entering Lake Wingra today may be full of chloride from salt that was used one or more years ago.  So, the efforts to reduce salt usage in the winter months around Madison may not actually be seen immediately.  It could take years to actually see the difference in chloride levels around the area. 

We also predicted that the data collected from the new springs would be relatively similar to the salt concentrations, conductivity, and temperature in that of springs found before 2000.   To understand the quality of the new springs we had selected one spring that was in existence before 2000.  This would help us predict the level of salt concentrations in the past and connect it to the present.  This information would then allow us to make accurate assumptions on the quality of the rediscovered springs.  We chose the Sand Boil Spring, using the data from table 1 and figure 4 we concluded that there has not been a significant increase in the salt concentration of this spring.  Figure 4 shows the averages in 1996-97 and 2001-02.  The data from table 1 shows similar salt concentrations in 2006-07, therefore our hypothesis is refuted.  The newly rediscovered springs have a much higher salt concentration than previously existing springs.

The newly rediscovered springs may have higher salt concentrations due to the fact that they are smaller than previously existing springs, or maybe because they are along Edgewood College’s campus.  The exact reason is not clear, but it is clear that these springs are significantly affected by salt usage.