Basic Course: Supplemental Topics (i)

Program Elements: Evaluating and Improving

The State/Tribe should periodically evaluate its overall monitoring program as part of a continuous improvement feedback loop. Program evaluation should involve identifying current and future monitoring resources needed to develop as comprehensive and integrated a monitoring program as possible.

Water quality monitoring programs are effective only when they meet the information needs of water quality resource managers. Thus, the State/Tribe’s periodic evaluation process should involve:

• Determining if the needs of water program managers are being met.
• Planning for monitoring that may be needed in the future.

Evaluations could include, for example, undertaking audits of the monitoring program, quality assurance protocols, laboratory procedures, and data assessment procedures. Assessments should also take into account needs regarding funding, staff, training, laboratory resources, and upcoming improvements.