Water Quality Monitoring, Assessment and Planning

The programs outlined below are aimed at monitoring the waters of the state, evaluating data and information to assess the quality of these waters, conducting research to better define the nature of pollutants, sources and impacts on waters and their uses, and developing management strategies to enhance and protect these waters. Links to more information about these programs can be found to the left.

Routine Statewide Monitoring

This program is responsible for routine monitoring to determine the overall quality of waters, trends in water quality, and identification of water quality problems and issues. This link includes information on Rotating Integrated Basin Studies, Stream Biomonitoring, Lake Assessment, and Toxicity Testing programs. This link also provides contact information for these programs.

Water Quality Assessments and Reporting

This program evaluates monitoring results and reports on water quality. Reports include the Waterbody Inventory/Priority Waterbodies List, New York State Water Quality Report (Section 305b) Report, and Section (303d) List of Impaired Waters. Also see links below under "Frequently Used Resources." This link also provides contact information for these programs.

Water Quality Research and Special Projects

This program conducts research projects focusing on specific waterbodies, contaminants, pollution sources or trends. This link includes information on Lake Monitoring, Management and Research; Nonpoint Source/Event Monitoring in New York City Watershed; Adirondack Effects Assessment Program; Finger Lakes Monitoring; Hudson River Pathogens; New York Harbor Contaminated Assessment and Reduction Program; and Sediment Assessment and Management projects. This link also provides contact information for these programs.

Water Quality Standards and Analytical Support

This program provides technical support for Division of Water monitoring, assessment, research, permitting and compliance efforts. This link includes information on water quality standards for surface waters and groundwaters throughout the state, classification of surface waters for their best usage and regulations restricting phosphorus and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) in household cleansing products. In addition, this program oversees quality assurance/quality control at laboratories that conduct work for the Division of Water. This link also provides contact information for these programs.

Water Quality Management

This program oversees the development of strategies to restore and protect the waters of New York State. This link includes information on water-quality based effluent limits, watershed management groups and activities in upstate and downstate basins, dredge materials management, and water quality restoration strategies such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). This link also provides contact information for these programs.