Each year, from May through October, OEQ collects water quality samples once every two weeks from numerous stream sites throughout the county. These samples are analyzed for a variety of pollutants that, in high enough concentrations, can impair aquatic life or pose a human health concern. This sampling program allows the County to directly assess the conditions of the streams being sampled, estimate impacts on similar streams that are not being sampled, and develop strategies for protecting or improving stream quality.