Can WSA data be used to provide state-scale analysis?
The WSA was designed to provide regional and national assessments of water quality. In most states, there are not enough sites to make statistically-valid assessments. However, 15 of our state partners supplemented the WSA by sampling at additional sites to obtain state-scale results. We should be seeing the results of their surveys in future state 305(b)/IR reports (see Virginia example). It is one of the goals of the WSA to encourage and support states in conducting these kind of state-scale, statistically-valid monitoring and assessment programs. Our aim is to produce future national reports based on aggregation of comparable and consistent state scale surveys.
