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Submerged Lands
HOW TO DETERMINE THE MEAN LOW-WATER MARK
Mean low-water is the average low tide. An approximation of mean low-water is made by observing the low-water mark when the tide height is at 0.0 feet as indicated on a tide table.
Tide tables may be obtained from marinas, harbor masters, local newspapers, or at http://www.maineharbors.com.
On the tide table, find a time when a 0.0 foot tide is predicted to occur in the local area. It may be necessary to adjust for weather and local conditions.
Observe where the water's edge is in relation to the structure at the specified time. This is the mean low-water mark.
The site plan example (PDF 34KB) illustrates the location of the mean low-water mark. (You will need the free Adobe Reader to view this document.)
For further assistance contact the staff at the Submerged Lands Program in the Bureau of Parks and Lands.
Submerged Lands Program
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
22 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0022
Telephone: (207) 287-3821
Fax: (207) 287-6170