Assessment Methodology

The links below include the suite of Assessment Methods used by the Department to assess water quality data for use in compiling the biennial Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, which satisfies requirements of the federal Clean Water Act sections 303(d) and 305(b).

Assessment Methods for Streams and Rivers (PDF)

Lake Assessment Methods

Lake Assessment Protocol (PDF)
Aquatic Macrophyte Cover (PDF)
Lake Fisheries (PDF)
Evaluations of Phosphorus Discharges to Lakes, Ponds, and Impoundments (PDF)
Plankton Sampling (PDF)
Chlorophyll A Sampling (PDF)

For questions, assistance or request for training on any of the Department’s protocols please contact the Division of Water Quality Standards staff in the Assessment Section at 717-787-9637 or send email to RA-epwater@pa.gov.