Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for ascertaining and keeping constant the concentration of alcohol in the plate dampening fluid used in an offset litho press, having a float vessel with an inlet and an overflow such that the float controls the supply of alcohol in accordance with its level relative to the fluid, a high degree of accuracy and a simple possibility of displaying and storing the concentration data is made possible by having a marker mounted on the float and having a vertical scale of zones marked thereon which may be sensed without mechanical contact by a sensing device at a fixed height. Furthermore the sensing device has a control signal output connected with a controller which is furthermore acted upon by a set point signal and has at least one output signal connection for controlling a valve regulating the supply of alcohol to said fluid.