Since the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency was established 20 years ago, water monitoring capabilities have advanced dramatically. Technological advances have allowed development of standardized procedures using sophisticated computerized techniques in routine water monitoring. Continued research and development activities, however, are needed to develop new and improved techniques that are more rapid, more accurate, more precise, more sensitive but less costly than those available now. Planned future activities include more comprehensive and integrated monitoring programs through cooperative efforts of federal, state, and local government agencies.