Water Quality Data - Disclaimer

It is widely held that water quality is a relative measure used to describe the condition of a waterbody relative to human needs or values; and thus the use of the terms “good water quality” or “poor water quality” is not absolute. Water quality can be judged by different people in different ways. What one person sees as a good “fishing hole” having abundant vegetation and aquatic fauna, might not be as appealing to swimmers. Water quality is not an absolute science; quality is based upon the proposed use of that water.

These value judgments are most often related to the extent to which a waterbody may be meeting expectations of how it can be used and what its characteristics should be.

Water quality standards for waterbodies of the state, including lakes, rivers and streams, springs, estuaries, as well as coastal areas, have been developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and are used in conjunction with the Impaired Waters Rule (FS 62-303) to assess state waters. Additional information may be found at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/. We appreciate any comments you may have.

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