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    The Bureau of Clean Water’s Water Quality Division is seeking data submissions for consideration in the 2028 303(d) assessment process. Data will be accepted through May 31, 2027. 

    As part of ongoing efforts to develop Pennsylvania’s Integrated Water Quality Report (Integrated Report), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) utilizes existing and readily available water quality data and information from outside sources. If outside sources have data and information that could be utilized by DEP in the 303(d) listing and regulatory assessment process, DEP encourages the data and information to be submitted before the deadline listed above..

    Please carefully read through the ‘Existing and Readily Available Information” document. For any data or information to be considered, standardized “Data Submission Forms” must be submitted along with study plan documenting the sampling design and planning, detailed maps displaying waterbody limited segments and instream monitoring stations, and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). Data and information submitted to DEP by close of business on the last day of the deadline listed above will be considered for inclusion in the next Integrated Report. Please feel free to distribute this information to all interested partners.

    For any individual or group wanting to collect and submit TIER III biological, chemical, and physical water quality data please fill out the audit request information below and submit to DEP by July 30, by email RA-epwater@pa.gov. DEP will review submissions by September 30. Audits are conducted late fall and early spring.

    Place “Integrated Report Water Quality Data TIER III Audit” in subject line.

    Then add:

    DEP Water Quality Monitoring Data Collection Protocol –
    Organization Name –                                 
    Collector Name(s) –
    Watershed and Stream Name –               
    *Sampling Design and Planning –
    *Study Map and Monitoring Stations –

    *Please add attachments

    DEP will classify the data and information into one of three tiers as described below. DEP then creates the Data Solicitation Report (as part of the Integrated Report) so that submitters will understand how DEP used the data.

    Tier 1: educational or environmental screening data that have known quality and a study plan but do not follow DEP or EPA quality assurance plans (QAPP). These data will not be used for regulatory assessment purposes but can be used by DEP to highlight areas of interest for future monitoring efforts.

    Tier 2: data with clearly defined QAPP but may not have followed approved data collection protocols. These data may not be used for regulatory assessment purposes but can be used for other purposes such as trend or performance analysis.

    Tier 3: assessment-level data that have approved QAPP, followed appropriate study designs, and DEP water quality monitoring protocols for surface waters. Individuals seeking to provide DEP with Tier 3 data must also be audited by DEP staff in DEP water quality monitoring protocols for surface waters before submitting data.

    Data Submission Information and Forms: