Freshwater salinization is a growing problem in urban watersheds in the Northeast U.S., particularly in regions affected by intensive winter road salt application. Anthropogenic activities can alter land cover, geological processes and chemical weathering which all contribute to freshwater salinization. This project examines the relationship between land-use and Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS), through observations of water quality. By examining watersheds across a spectrum of anthropogenic influence, we have been able to postulate what specific activities contribute to salinization. Data explored thus far in this project demonstrated that watersheds in urban environments such as the Mystic River Watershed in eastern Massachusetts are seeing the effects of FSS with increasing specific conductance in surface water. Watersheds with some agricultural activity, such as the Deerfield River watershed, do not have such high specific conductance values. However, there may be subtle increases over time due to solutes introduced by agricultural practices. Protected areas such as the Quabbin Reservoir see lower specific conductance over time relative to unmanaged watersheds. Historically, we have seen FSS have a significant effect on freshwater resources but there are efforts being made to monitor factors contributing to FSS. Most recently we have seen a decline in chloride concentrations in many of these freshwater resources likely due to chloride monitoring projects amongst various watershed associations in Massachusetts. These findings will contribute to improved decisions made by watershed associations and urges future research to consider salinization in non-coastal regions.