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SWP O&M Water Quality Monitoring

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Beginning in 1968, water quality monitoring for the California State Water Project (SWP) has been conducted by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Water Quality Section (WQS) to monitor eutrophication (an increase in chemical nutrients) in the SWP facilities and salinity for agricultural users. Over time, the SWP water quality program expanded to emphasize parameters of concern for drinking water, recreation, and fish and wildlife purposes.

Today, chemical, physical and biological parameters are routinely monitored throughout the SWP from the Feather River drainage in the north to Lake Perris in the south, including more than 40 sites and over 200 individual chemicals. Both discrete grab samples and continuous automated station data comprise a comprehensive water quality monitoring program. This extensive water quality monitoring program provides water quality data to:

  • Document spatial and temporal changes in SWP water quality.
  • Plan water treatment operational changes.
  • Identify and respond to toxic substance spills, floods, and other water quality emergencies.
  • Compare SWP water quality to California drinking water standards, contractual requirements with the State Water Contractors under Water Service Provisions - Article 19, or other criteria.