The following combination of activities provides information about the quality of surface water throughout the watershed:

• Fifteen volunteer Stream Watchers monitor twenty-two stream sites (PDF of monitoring log/database) on a monthly basis. This analysis includes visual observation, physical characterization, water temperature, air temperature, pH, water depth, and flow rate.

• Supplementary analysis of conductivity, fecal coliform, or other wastewater related parameters is conducted as necessary.

• Macroinvertebrate sampling and analysis through the Annual Water Quality Study (link) is performed by Monroe County, with additional sites being sampled through the use of TC/TCWA funds.  An annual macroinvertebrate survey (PDF) is produced combining both entities’ sampling results.

• Monitoring the performance of the ten sewage treatment plants in the watershed is accomplished by reviewing the monthly discharge monitoring reports which are submitted to DEP.

• Surface Water Samplers were installed in four stream locations to help us quantify the impacts of nonpoint source pollution, carried by stormwater runoff, on the quality of our water resources.

•  USGS Stream Gages provide flow, depth, temperature, and precipitation data for the Tobyhanna Creek as well as flow, depth, and temperature data for the Tunkhannock Creek.