Development and implementation of a moni-
toring program that supports a narrowly
defined objective increases the likelihood that
results will be
A thorough
Overview of
understanding of the water quality problem,
Monitoring Program
monitoring objectives, and expected results
themanagermakeinformeddecisions
while overseeing the total water
project.
Introduction
Audience and Purpose. This monitoring guide was written to help managers
oversee a water quality monitoring project. It is intended to be used as a simple
framework to assist managers in developing a program for
source (NPS)
pollution monitoring. Defining management objectives and documenting the
water quality problem are crucial to building a successful project. Rarely does a
monitoring program yield meaningful results without clear directions from
carefully developed objectives and a thorough investigation of the water quality
problem.
In addition to establishing the framework for monitoring, this guide was also
meant to be used by the managerforgeneral reference. This guide provides enough
can use it as a training tool to improve his or her knowledge
detail so anew
forcommunication with thescientist orstatistician. Theguideshould beconsulted
periodically throughout the implementation of the monitoring program to check
for deficiencies or the need for reallocation of effort.
Monitoring. Monitoring is the best method for evaluating water quality and its
response to land treatment and other factors. Development and implementation
of a monitoring program that supports a narrowly defined objective, such as
problem identification or trend detection, increases the likelihood that results will
be relevant and useful.
Water quality problem identification monitoring should seek first to specify
pollutants and conditions responsible for the impairment to the designated use.
Once the water quality problem is identified, the severity of the problem can be
assessed. Clearly identifying the specific pollutant and assessing the problem
assists land treatment staff in identifying critical areas and targeting
Water quality monitoring is essential for determining project results and evaluat-
ing the effectiveness of land treatment. Adequate and effective land treatment and
water quality monitoring for NPS pollution control projects are required to:
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