On the web they can see the overall quality of their streams, the type and sources of impairment, and which watersheds are lacking data. In addition to tracking the quality of our nation's surface water resources, RTI researchers also compile and assess information on ground water quality. In 1996, RTI worked with EPA to propose and implement changes to the guidelines used by the states to report ground water quality data. The first round of reporting aquifer-specific ground water data occurred in 1996. Equally important, the changes provided a forum for the states and EPA to enhance communications and work jointly toward developing solutions to ground water quality assessments.
Most states use electronic databases to track the thousands of waterbodies within their boundaries.
For over a decade, RTI has provided technical support to over 30 states in developing and maintaining these databases. Many states use the EPA Waterbody System, a PC-based program RTI developed to help the states meet their Clean Water Act reporting requirements. The Waterbody System also helps promote consistent reporting among the states. Geographic information systems are another tool EPA is using to monitor the condition of our nation's waters. These computer systems allow states to display the condition of their individual waterbodies on maps and to analyze the spatial distribution of water quality problems.