Data Collection Protocols
This document details the suite of monitoring and data collection protocols currently used by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to meet multiple surface water characterization objectives in flowing waterbodies. This book is part of a larger conceptual framework that DEP uses to collect quality data and make decisions on various surface water matters across Pennsylvania. Data collection protocols have been compiled in this book entitled, ‘Water Quality Monitoring Protocols for Streams and Rivers’ (referred to as the “Monitoring Book”) to increase operational transparency and to facilitate the use of DEP data collection protocols by other organizations. At this time, lake and reservoir data collection protocols are not included in this document, but DEP intends on updating and adding them in the future.