Water quality is the overall biological, chemical, and physical condition of a waterbody, often interpreted in terms of its ability to support aquatic life and human uses. Waterbodies may be monitored for concentrations of nutrients, suspended particles, toxic substances, and other pollutants.  Aquatic biota may be monitored for changes in community structure. Water, sediment and biota in the waterbodies may be monitored for concentrations of toxic substances.  Long-term monitoring tracks changes in water quality and improves understanding of aquatic systems.  Assessments utilize monitoring data to determine whether current conditions may negatively affect aquatic life or impact human uses.  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other regulatory agencies provide formal guidance on water quality monitoring and assessment.  Monitoring and assessment guide effective remediation of impacted waterbodies and confirm improvements.

Capabilities: Administrative services, project management, community outreach and information exchange, environmental field services, GIS, data analysis and scientific writing

Implemented:

• Manual Water Quality Monitoring on the Onondaga Nation
• Onondaga Lake Tributary Assessment
• Microbial Trackdown Study

Facilitated:

• Tully Valley Mudboil Area Programs (USGS)
  • Remediation Monitoring and Control
  • Mudboil Diversion Channel
  • Maintenance of Remediation Works
• Tully Valley Green Technology Demonstration Project
• Onondaga Lake Scientific and Technical Program Integration Board
• Onondaga Lake Outlet Project (USGS)
• Scientific Peer Review of the Onondaga Lake and Seneca-Oswego River Basin Water Quality Models
• Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking (EMPACT)
• Automated Onondaga Creek Water Quality Monitoring