Due to the many ecological and regulatory pressures being exerted over the Loxahatchee River Basin area, it was recommended that South Indian River Water Control District sample and monitor water quality within and adjacent to its boundaries.  

The Loxahatchee River District has obtained water quality samples for many years, but due to legislation proposed at the time, the South Indian River Water Control District's Board of Supervisors implemented a water quality monitoring program that augmented and expanded the Loxahatchee River District's program. In July 2011, the District contracted with a water sampling and testing firm to analyze surface water and groundwater for various metals, organic and inorganic contaminants, and water quality criteria. Samples are only taken when the District discharges outside its boundaries.

This information is used to monitor the District’s discharges and for future analysis as needed for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and the Reasonable Assurance Plan. As a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, the District is required to update its Water Quality Assessment Program annually. 

In December 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved a new interactive water quality platform and database that was developed in conjunction with Loxahatchee River District laboratory and water quality professionals at no cost to South Indian River Water Control District. Visitors to the site can select sampling dates and locations, as well as types of pollutants. The intent of this interactive water quality site is to:

• Align sampling stations with Loxahatchee River District locations
• Eliminate sucralose and metals monitoring
• Reduce sampling frequency from monthly to quarterly to save costs
• Implement an internal “stoplight” reporting framework (green = meets standards, yellow = watch, red = corrective action)
• Improve transparency and eliminate the need for routine Board presentation of raw water quality data

 Note: If this interactive platform presents any accessibility issues, please contact us at sirwcd@sirwcd.org for an alternative format.