ORSANCO’s annual water quality monitoring is guided by a comprehensive, Commission-approved Monitoring Strategy that defines how data are collected, evaluated, and applied across the Ohio River Basin. The strategy aligns with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Compact and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Monitoring Strategy Framework, supporting interstate coordination, regulatory decision-making, and protection of designated river uses.
Each year, ORSANCO reviews its monitoring programs through a structured, collaborative process involving technical committees, advisory groups, and staff. This review assesses program performance, emerging water quality challenges, partner data needs, and available resources to ensure core monitoring efforts are maintained while identifying opportunities for refinement and efficiency. The most recent update to the Monitoring Strategy was accepted in 2025, providing a current framework for program prioritization and future planning.
ORSANCO’s monitoring network integrates biological, chemical, and source-water protection programs that support long-term trend analysis, biennial water quality assessments, fish consumption advisories, spill detection, and early warning for emerging threats such as harmful algal blooms. Through this adaptive, science-based approach, ORSANCO continues to deliver high-quality, basin-wide data to member states, drinking water utilities, public health agencies, and the public.