Monitoring

Current Water Quality Data

The County has implemented a comprehensive water quality monitoring program for several decades that evaluates recreational water quality, conditions for threatened and endangered species, and other key parameters related to management programs. The program includes weekly monitoring of approximately 26 beaches and 6 freshwater sites and monthly or bi-monthly monitoring at approximately 15 freshwater sites. Intensive water quality monitoring is also conducted in the San Lorenzo River watershed to evaluate nitrate and other constituents in order to evaluate implementation of the San Lorenzo Valley wastewater management plan. The County has also begun an effort collect, integrate and analyze different types of watershed data in order to identify trends and evaluate management effectiveness. To see results of the most recent water quality sampling, click here.