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For more information on the USGS-the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprodTo order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.Suggested citation: Trench, E.C.T., Moore, R.B., Ahearn, E.A., Mullaney, J.R., Hickman, R.E., and Schwarz, G.E., 2012, Nutrient concentrations and loads in the northeastern United States-Status and trends, 1975-2003 ForewordThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is committed to providing the Nation with reliable scientific information that helps to enhance and protect the overall quality of life and that facilitates effective management of water, biological, energy, and mineral resources (http://www.usgs.gov/). Information on the Nation's water resources is critical to ensuring long-term availability of water that is safe for drinking and recreation and is suitable for industry, irrigation, and fish and wildlife. Population growth and increasing demands for water make the availability of that water, measured in terms of quantity and quality, even more essential to the long-term sustainability of our communities and ecosystems.The USGS implemented the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program in 1991 to support national, regional, State, and local information needs and decisions related to water-quality management and policy (http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa). The NAWQA Program is designed to answer: What is the quality of our Nation's streams and groundwater? How are conditions changing over time? How do natural features and human activities affect the quality of streams and groundwater, and where are those effects most pronounced? By combining information on water chemistry, physical characteristics, stream habitat, and aquatic life, the NAWQA Program aims to provide science-based insights for current and emerging water issues and priorities. From 1991 to 2001, the NAWQA Program completed interdisciplinary assessments and established a baseline understanding of water-quality conditions in 51 of the Nation's river basins and aquifers, referred to as Study Units (http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/studies/ study_units.html ).In the second decade of the Program (2001Program ( -2012, a major focus is on regional assessments of waterquality conditions and trends. These regional assessments are based on major river basins and principal aquifers, which encompass larger regions of the country than the Study Units. Regional assessments extend the findings in the Study Units by filling critical gaps in characterizing the quality of s...

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Results from the study described in this report and previous studies indicate that optimal sampling schedules for trend detection may differ substantially for different stations and constituents. A more comprehensive statewide evaluation of sampling schedules for key stations and constituents could provide useful information for any redesign of the schedule for waterquality monitoring in the Quinebaug River Basin and elsewhere in the state.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the State of Connecticut have worked together since ] 955 to monitor and interpret the water quality of Connecticut's streams and rivers. An expanded cooperative water-quality monitoring program with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) began in 1974, in response to the passage of Connecticut's Clean Water Act in 1967 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1972. These acts focused on regulation and treatment of municipal and industrial wastes. Consequently, the expanded monitoring program that resulted from these laws has emphasized streams that receive wastewater discharges. Waterquality data generated by this program are used by CTDEP to assess water quality for major rivers and streams, as required under sections 305 (b) and 303 (d) of the Federal Clean Water Act.