Objective monitoring responds to a known problem and usually targets specific chemicals. Such sampling covers a small area and is limited to a shorter period. Most federal and provincial agencies have cut back on programs for routine reconnaissance monitoring in recent years. Today, monitoring programs are usually targeted at specific problems in particular locations in response to public concerns about real or perceived problems. Federal and provincial governments currently sponsor regional and local monitoring.
Some municipalities monitor surface water and wells, usually through local health departments.
As well, many industries are obliged to monitor water quality as a condition of their licence to operate. Many monitoring programs are now being undertaken through partnerships among universities, municipalities, farm organizations, industry, public interest groups, and government agencies, to share costs and make better use of results.