The department currently is preparing for the 2028 Integrated Water Quality Report, also known as the 305(b) report and the 303(d) list. The department is requesting readily available and qualified water quality data collected through Oct. 31, 2026.
The data must be spatially and temporally representative of the actual annual ambient conditions of the water body (surface waters such as streams, rivers, lakes or reservoirs). Sample locations should be characteristic and representative of the main water mass or distinct hydrologic areas. Data should be distributed over at least three seasons, over two years, and should not be biased toward specific conditions, such as runoff, season or hydrologic conditions. Data collected for the purposes of assessing designated uses that require seasonally based data (e.g., whole body contact recreation, biological community data and critical season dissolved oxygen) do not need to meet the requirements listed above. The department will accept data meeting the following criteria:
- Samples were collected and analyzed under a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for quality assurance project plans.
- Samples were analyzed consistent with EPA or Standard Method procedures.
- A copy of the organizations QA/QC protocol and standard operating procedures is provided.
- Data is reported in standard units as recommended in the relevant approved methods.
- Data is accompanied by a narrative locational description and precise sample location(s), preferably in decimal degrees or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM).
The department prefers data be provided in a Microsoft Excel or compatible format. The department will accept water quality data until Dec. 30, 2026. Data may be submitted by mail to Robert Voss, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176, or by email to impairedwaters@dnr.mo.gov. The department appreciates any assistance provided.