A framework for comprehensive, integrated, watershed monitoring in New York City

The International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Risk Science Institute (RS I) convened an expert panel of scientists to develop recommendations for a comprehensive monitoring program for the Croton and Catskill/Delaware water sheds, which provide drinking water to New York City's residents. This effo rt was conducted as part of efforts to preserve and enhance the quality of New York City's reservoir system through a watershed protection program. Th e panel developed recommendations for a strategic framework on which to con struct a monitoring program. As part of this activity, the panel determined whether existing monitoring activities were deficient and, where activitie s were deficient, the panel developed recommendations for additional inform ation that should be collected. The panel recommended the development and u se of an integrated approach to watershed monitoring, which draws on modeli ng, risk-based planning and analysis, statistical sampling and design, and basic compliance monitoring. The approach should be designed to provide an assessment of natural and anthropogenic sources of stress to the system as well as an assessment of water quality trends in response to stresses actin g in concert, both over the long term and over the five-year New York City Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) assessment time frame. It should also provide an assessment of the human health and environmental risks posed by a varie ty of stressors, and the impact of management actions implemented to amelio rate stressors.