Status Monitoring Network
The purpose of the Status Monitoring Network is to characterize
environmental conditions of Florida’s fresh water resources and to determine
how these conditions change over time. The Network is designed to address
questions at three different scales: 1) the state as a whole, 2) specific
geopolitical regions of the state, and 3) watersheds associated with Florida’s
major rivers and lakes. Status Network data are used to statistically describe
statewide, regional, and basin-specific
water quality conditions present during the period of sampling.
FDEP,
through contracts with WMDs, county governments, and internal field staff,
samples all basins within the state (Link to map). They sample 5-6 basins annually. Therefore the overall statewide sample design provides for
the sampling of the entire state within a five–year period (e.g. 2004–2008).
Within each basin, random samples are collected from each of six water
resources. These resources are: 1) unconfined aquifers, 2) confined aquifers,
3) small lakes, 4) large lakes, 5) small streams, and 6) large rivers. Each
resource is sampled during a specific Index Period, depending upon the
resource type and location. In any given year, over 1100 samples (including
quality assurance samples) are collected and analyzed. Resource-specific
indicator analytes are used to characterize the environmental condition of
each resource. These indicators consist of chemical, biological, and physical
analytes.
In
order to minimize variability between sampling agencies, and reduce sampling
errors, the FDEP Watershed Monitoring Program maintains a written monitoring
plan that emphasizes standardized field procedures. All parties involved in
sample collection for the Program use the same Quality Assurance (QA) plan,
and are trained in the latest
approved
sampling procedures. In addition, the Department’s Central Laboratory
performs all sample analyses.
Data management procedures and data quality objectives for the Status
Monitoring Network are contained in two documents: Data Management Standard Operating Procedures
and Data
Analysis Protocols for Cycle Two of the Status Network, Years 2004-2008.
Status Network results represent a relatively unbiased assessment of current
surface water and ground water conditions. Watershed Monitoring Basin Reports
on basins currently assessed are available from the basin map. These reports can be used in
concert with other monitoring data to determine whether or not these results
represent accepted concentrations. Data from the Status Network also comprise
a part of Florida’s biannual
Water Quality Assessment 305(b) Report to USEPA, a requirement of the
Federal Clean Water Act. The 305(b) reports from all states are used by USEPA
to inform Congress and citizens of state and national water quality
conditions.
For further information,
please call us at (850)245-8505.
*We
are grateful to the citizens, county and city governments, and regulated
facilities that provide us access to sample for regional and statewide water
quality.
