§3–1101.

    (a)    There is a Water Quality Monitoring Program within the Department.

    (b)    The purpose of the Water Quality Monitoring Program is to:

        (1)    Provide for a consistent statewide approach for improving water quality monitoring data, consistent with the most up–to–date scientific knowledge and technologies;

        (2)    Conduct long–term and targeted short–term water quality monitoring and assessments to develop an understanding of and guide programs designed to meet water quality improvement goals, improve aquatic living resources and habitat, address climate change impacts, and implement resilience planning;

        (3)    Integrate water quality monitoring data into planning processes to inform policy choices about the effectiveness of management actions; and

        (4)    Provide the general public with readily available water quality monitoring data to guide recreational and other passive uses.

    (c)    The Department may assess and incorporate water quality monitoring data that meets the quality assurance and use goals of the State data sets into the Water Quality Monitoring Program.