What type of monitoring does the Office of Water Quality prioritize?

The Office of Water Quality prioritizes monitoring to meet clean water and drinking water requirements because ensuring the safety and quality of water for human consumption and environmental health is paramount. This type of monitoring focuses on assessing pollutants and contaminants that may affect drinking water supplies and the integrity of surface waters, which directly impacts public health and ecosystem viability.

By prioritizing clean water and drinking water standards, the Office aligns its efforts with regulatory frameworks that safeguard both community health and adhere to federal and state laws governing water quality. This systematic approach not only helps in maintaining compliance but also in protecting water resources from degradation due to pollution or other harmful activities, ultimately leading to healthier populations and ecosystems.

Infrastructure health monitoring, surface water monitoring, and biological diversity monitoring are all important in their respective contexts, but they serve supportive roles in the broader goal of ensuring clean and safe water for all.