| ADEQ monitors the ambient water quality in streams, lakes and groundwater throughout the state. Information obtained from ambient monitoring is used to develop water quality standards and to inform the public about Arizona's water quality. Water quantity issues are handled by the Department of Water Resources.
State monitoring authority comes from Arizona Revised Statutes § 49-225(A), which mandates that ADEQ conduct ongoing monitoring of the waters of the state, including Arizona surface waters and aquifers to:
- Detect the presence of new and existing pollutants,
- Determine compliance with applicable water quality standards,
- Determine the effectiveness of best management practices, agricultural best management practices and best available demonstrated control technologies,
- Evaluate the effects of pollutants on public health or the environment, and
- Determine water quality trends.
Federal monitoring authority comes from the Clean Water Act (CWA). The main objectives of the Clean Water Act with regard to monitoring are to:
- Establishing, reviewing, and revising water quality standards § 303(c)
- Determining water quality standard attainment § 305(b)
- Identifying impaired waters § 303(d)
- Identify causes and sources of impairment §§ 303(d) and 305(b)
- Support implementation of water management programs §§ 303, 314, 319, 402, etc.
- Support evaluation of program effectiveness §§ 303, 305, 314, 319, 402, etc.
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| Web Site Services | Last Revision Jan. 04, 2008