One of the most important variables to the overall aquatic health of a waterbody is its water quality. We monitor to assess the physical and chemical properties of water to determine whether the water is of sufficient quality to support its beneficial uses, such as fishing and swimming. Anything dissolved in water, and much of the fine particulate matter suspended in water, is considered part of the chemical habitat of an aquatic organism. Just as organisms have a preferred physical habitat, they also have a preferred chemical habitat. We conduct three monitoring programs to optimize our coverage of the state. 

Stream water quality parameters are assessed in conjunction with stream habitat and stream aquatic communities to determine the stream’s overall health.