Michigan regulators are looking for ideas on where to check on how well the state's water quality is doing.
The Department of Environmental Quality is developing plans to carry out a strategy for water monitoring. Staffers will be analyzing water and sediment chemistry, fish contamination, growth of nuisance plants or algae, E. coli bacteria and other factors.
The program's goals include assessing the health of water bodies, determining whether quality standards are being met, evaluating the effectiveness of protection efforts and identifying new or emerging threats.
The DEQ will consider recommendations for particular watersheds, connecting channels or portions of the Great Lakes.