Water Monitoring Strategy - Related Items

Tier I Monitoring || Tier II Monitoring || Tier III Monitoring || Related

Thumbnails link to PDF Files of Report Sections.

Non-DNR Monitoring: Multiple resource agencies, institutions, and other entities conduct monitoring activities that provide key data for management activities. Many of these efforts are done autonomously, while some are carried out in conjunction with WDNR staff.

Quality Assurance: WDNR has a Quality Management Plan (QMP) and an Evaluation System Manual Code (MC 9314.1) that establishes processes and protocols for the state’s monitoring program. The QMP documents DNR’s quality policy, system, and affected programs.

Data Management: Data management and analysis are fundamental to the use of monitoring information in decision making processes. Key data systems include the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS), the Fish Database, and the Fish Contaminants Database.

Reporting: Data from WDNR monitoring activities are analyzed, interpreted, and summarized to develop reports for EPA and the public. Reporting is required for Clean Water Act Sections 305(b), 303(d), 314, and 319. Additionally, the state has developed internal performance measures under its Water Program Strategic Objectives.

General Support and Infrastructure Planning: Monitoring is supported by research functions. WDNR staff work closely with the Bureau of Science Services to develop projects that support monitoring. Funding from the monitoring program is often provided to our research partners to address specific problems.

Ten Year Timeline: The Monitoring Team has developed a ten-year timeline from 2009 to 2019. Because of uncertainties in budget allocations, this timeline should be viewed as flexible and will evolve as projects move forward.

Responsibility for Program Implementation: WDNR is committed to evaluating its monitoring programs on a regular basis. A cross-program Monitoring Team, comprised of each Bureau, Technical Teams, and regional representatives meet at strategic intervals to evaluate and modify the monitoring structure as needed.

Citizen-Based Water Monitoring Network Proposal: With over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers, the Department cannot monitor every water body and must set limits on the amount of monitoring it is able to do. Interest in citizen participation in monitoring has been expressed by the Department and many of its partners.

Glossary: List of Acronyms.

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Contact

For more information contact:

Greg Searle
Watershed Management