Volume III, Number 11

 July 2009

eMDE is a bi-monthly publication of the Maryland Department of the Environment. It covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the state. 

Online Searchable Database: Maryland 2008 Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality

By Matthew Rowe and Matthew Stover, Science Services Administration

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The final Maryland 2008 Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality is now accessible online through a searchable database. This new feature allows users to easily query information on the water quality status of Maryland waters using several different attributes. 

The Maryland 2008 Report combines two water quality reports mandated under Sections 305(b) and 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act. Section 305(b) requires states to submit biennial reports to EPA on the condition of waters within their boundaries. Under Section 303(d) these jurisdictions must provide EPA with a list of waters assessed as not meeting water quality standards (also referred to as water quality limited segments or impaired waters). Once identified, impaired waters may require development of a total maximum daily load to determine the maximum amount of impairing substance or pollutant that a particular water body can assimilate and still meet water quality standards.

The new searchable database allows users to identify the water quality status of Maryland waters by using such attributes as watershed name, county name, waterbody type, or listing type. Summary information about these waters can be then downloaded in a Microsoft Excel format. Users can also access listings via a clickable map of Maryland by pointing to a specific location of interest or on the name of a specific watershed. 

Click here to use the Maryland 2008 Integrated Report Searchable Database.

Click here for more information about Integrated Reporting.
 

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