A method includes the steps of providing a tidal seepage meter having a power supply, a controller capable of controlling the power supply according to a sampling schedule, a motor capable of receiving power from the power supply according to the sampling schedule, a selector valve having an input port and at least two outlet ports and capable of selecting an output valve according to the sampling schedule, a seepage chamber capable of receiving seepage and inputting seepage to the selector valve via the input port, and a first sample container and a second sample container capable of receiving seepage from the selector valve via the output valve, transferring the sampling schedule to the tidal seepage meter, positioning the tidal seepage meter in sediment; and sampling seepage according to the sampling schedule. The sampled seepage water may then be analyzed and the results may be displayed to a user.