Chapter 10 Activities
10. Comprehensive Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring
Introduction
Monitoring surface water and groundwater is fundamental to protecting and improving water quality in Sarasota County. Existing programs should be supported and reviewed for effectiveness. Monitoring gaps should be identified and filled, pollution sources should be quantified, and pollutant load models should be updated. Regular standardized collection and analysis of water quality and quantity data is necessary to identify pollutant issues in a timely manner, establish proactive mitigation policies and activities, and track progress of those policies and strategies.
Activity 1:
Support Long-Term Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting of Surface Water and Groundwater Quality and Quantity and Biological Indicators of Water Quality
Long-term monitoring programs allow policymakers, managers, and the public to identify and address pollution in a timely manner, and track progress toward goals. Monitoring of water quality, quantity and biological indicators of bay health should continue. Gaps in data collection and knowledge should be identified and filled, and the addition of new bioindicators, such as macroalgae and fish, should be considered.
Activity 2:
Review Existing Monitoring Programs, Fill Monitoring Gaps, Identify Pollution Sources, and Update Pollutant Load Models
Local scientists should collaborate with regional and local water and resource managers to review existing monitoring programs and address the remaining information and data gaps highlighted in this Playbook. Specific monitoring needs have been identified for atmospheric deposition, groundwater monitoring, reclaimed water used for irrigation, bioindicators, fertilizer sales, and nutrient modeling.
