What is one of the main functions of a water quality monitoring program?

One of the main functions of a water quality monitoring program is to ensure compliance with regulations. This component is crucial because water quality regulations are established by various governmental and environmental agencies to protect public health and the environment. Monitoring programs are designed to regularly assess the quality of water sources, analyze for contaminants, and verify that the water meets the established safety standards.

By systematically checking for pollutants and maintaining oversight, these programs play an essential role in determining whether water systems are operating within the legal and health criteria set by authorities. This compliance not only safeguards public health but also helps prevent environmental degradation, making it a critical aspect of water management.

While promoting water conservation, increasing water pricing, and educating the public are also important activities related to water management, they do not directly address the primary purpose of monitoring water quality in relation to legal and health compliance.