The Nearshore Water Quality Monitoring Program was developed by TRPA in coordination with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan), and the U.S. Geological Survey, Nevada Water Science Center (NWSC), with consultation from Glenn Miller, Professor of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno.  The purpose of this program is:

  • To determine if water quality conditions are being maintained consistent with performance standards that relate to Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) anti-degradation policy, and State and Federal Standards (Table 1). Achievement of performance standard would indicate that the Blue Boating Program is effective in mitigating water quality impacts associated with increased motorized watercraft activity.
  • To determine if evidence exists that increased shorezone development (as regulated through TRPA Shorezone Ordinances) leads to decreased water quality.
  • To understand changes and variation in water quality over time; including understanding the variability of water quality conditions during peak and non-peak boating season, and by sample site.
  • To determine if mitigation measures implemented in the future (as necessary) are effective at improving or maintaining water quality