Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration

The department uses water quality data from a wide variety of sources, including its own monitoring programs, to regularly assess Florida’s rivers, streams, lakes, springs and estuaries to determine whether they meet publicly adopted water quality standards. These standards are established to protect public health, preserve aquatic habitat and wildlife, and ensure safe and healthy fishing and recreational uses. Surface waters that do not meet the standards set for them are determined to be “impaired” and in need of restoration.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) participates in a national network of laboratories known as the Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN). This network is one of several laboratory networks established through Presidential directives to ensure that critical services are available to support response and recovery operations following a terrorist attack or other emergency of national significance. The Environmental Response Laboratory Network is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with support from the U.S.

Quality Plan References

• Quality Plan Template.
• Quality Plans and Quality Manuals for DEP Organizational Units and Programs.
• Quick Guide to QA Requirements for Volunteer Sampling Programs.