A reservoir water quality database management system

The magnitude and diversity of data collected during water quality sampling programs often preclude the use of manual methods of storage and analysis. Therefore, a critical phase in the planning and operation of such programs is the establishment of a comprehensive database management system, the objective of which is to establish a protocol that encompasses data acquisition, maintenance, and utilization while providing data consistency, validation, storage, and analysis. The Statistical Analysis System was selected as the operational component of a database management system applied to a reservoir research program because of its data management capabilities, numerous statistical procedures, and an inherent interfacing facility which is indistinguishable to the user. This paper describes the general theory of database management systems, the Statistical Analysis System, and an application to a reservoir water quality sampling program.