The Department of Environmental Quality released its Measures of Success today, defining the expected outcomes for many of the known issues facing Michigan's water protection programs. 

The Measures of Success document outlines the mission of the DEQ's Water Bureau and identifies five major goals deemed critical to those efforts.  Those goals are to ensure safe drinking water; protecting groundwater; enhancing recreational waters; ensuring safe consumable fish; and protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems.  For each major goal, measurable outcomes are identified to determine whether the department is being successful in those efforts. 

The DEQ intends to use these goals and measurements to enlist external assistance, encourage cooperation between the public and private sectors, and enhance discussion about strategic adjustments and priority trade-offs.  The goals set here are expected to be reviewed and modified as appropriate. 

The Measures of Success document can be found at:  http://www.michigan.gov/deq and click on Water.

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"