Water sampling and laboratory services are available to assess water quality.  Identification of existing problems, finding their causes and recommending protection or rehabilitation techniques are the objectives.  This can be a very crucial step in defining a direction or assessing the results of a management plan.  Periodic monitoring may be necessary to determine whether water is safe for swimming, susceptible to fish kills, or receiving high levels of pollutants and nutrients.  Existing background water quality data must be compiled to determine whether conditions are improving or degrading in the future.  Annual reports and assessments are also available.