Groundwater is monitored by collecting water samples from groundwater monitoring wells and analyzing the samples to determine their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.  These characteristics are called parameters.  There are literally hundreds of parameters that can be determined by use of modern instruments and techniques - which parameters are monitored depends on the purpose of the monitoring program. 

Because we are unable to directly observe groundwater contamination as it occurs, water suppliers and the public must rely on the results of groundwater monitoring to assure that groundwater supplies are safe.  The results of these analyses are compared to Federal Standards for drinking water Quality.  These standards are referred to as MCL's or Maximum Contaminate Levels.  The following is a list of parameters commonly used to monitor groundwater quality in the Consortiums WHPA.

Thanks to Dr. Gary Rowe, USGS, for assistance with this information.