What is WQX?

The Water Quality Exchange (WQX) Version 1.0 is a new framework that makes it easier for states, tribes, and others to submit and share water quality monitoring data over the Internet. States, tribes and other organizations can now submit data directly to the publicly-accessible STORET Data Warehouse using the WQX framework. The STORET Data Warehouse will continue to be the repository for all modern STORET data and will now also be the new home for data submitted through WQX. WQX will eventually replace the distributed STORET Database (including the STORET Data Entry Module, Reports Module, and STORET Import Module or SIM) as the primary means of submitting water quality monitoring data to EPA.

This announcement factsheet (PDF 1.0 MB) announces the release of WQX as well as the release of the new Watershed Summary query capability.

The purpose of these pages is to assist water quality professionals and data managers with understanding WQX, how it works, how it relates to STORET, and how to begin submitting data using the WQX framework. Below is a description of how WQX works, followed by useful links for water quality data managers.

How does WQX Work?

WQX uses Extensible Markup Language (XML) and a defined set of data elements (the WQX schema) to allow states, tribes and other organizations to submit data from their own database to the STORET Warehouse. WQX makes use of the technology and procedures that are defined by the National Environmental Information Exchange Network. The WQX schema is based on the Environmental Sampling, Analysis and Results (ESAR) data standard, which is EPA's standard for sharing water, solid waste and air quality data. It also uses other registries of common data, names, and data formats.

This technical WQX fact sheet (PDF 1.1 MB) describes how WQX works.

This overview of WQX (PDF 440 KB) walks through the WQX framework for submitting data.

WQX Links

The following links provide water quality data managers with information about getting started with WQX. Current users of the distributed STORET system should reference information about transitiong from STORET.

• Submitting Data to EPA Using WQX - Steps for an organization to take in order to begin submitting data
  
  
• WQX Implementation Resources and Downloads - Important resources for getting ready to submit data
  
  
• WQX Implementation Schedule - A timeline showing WQX milestones and schedule
  
  
• Transitioning from STORET - Guidance for current users of the distributed STORET system
  
  
• How to get involved - For users interested in getting involved with WQX
  
  
• WQX Biological and Habitat Pilot - Information and downloadable resources for the WQX Biological and Habitat Pilot

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