{"id":66,"date":"2021-06-30T06:28:19","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T06:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/surface-water-quality\/?page_id=66"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:46:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:46:55","slug":"water-quality-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.env.nm.gov\/surface-water-quality\/water-quality-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Quality Monitoring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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One of the steps to identify surface water quality issues is to collect water quality data and information through organized, quality-controlled monitoring. The Surface Water Quality Bureau ensures relevant water quality data for all of New Mexico\u2019s surface waters are collected using robust scientific methods in a way that is transparent to water quality agencies and the public. The Monitoring Program serves all surface water quality monitoring needs to the extent possible given available resources, NMED priorities, and strategic goals. The waterbody types currently monitored by the program include streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring staff develop and implement field sampling plans to ensure all data needed to determine attainment of New Mexico\u2019 water quality standards are collected during watershed surveys. The Bureau conducts monitoring of watersheds on a 10-year rotational schedule. Monitoring occurs in non-winter months from March through November over two years, resulting in surface water in approximately one-fourth of the State being monitored every two years.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring focuses primarily on chemical, physical, and biological conditions in perennial waters, and includes sampling for most pollutants that have numeric or narrative water quality criteria in New Mexico. To meet federal and state requirements and expectations, the Bureau developed and occasionally updates a monitoring strategy<\/a> (2016).  The strategy provides a detailed description of monitoring objectives and designs, as well as approaches to data quality assurance and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data collected during these water quality surveys are assessed to determine if they meet state water quality standards<\/a>. These data assessments are then used to develop the State of New Mexico Clean Water Act \u00a7303(d)\/305(b) Integrated Report<\/a> and Total Maximum Daily Load<\/a> planning documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for New Mexico Surface Water Quality Data?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n