Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)

The Water Quality Goal Implementation Team works to evaluate, focus and accelerate the implementation of practices, policies and programs that will restore water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to conditions that support living resources and protect human health.

Meetings

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About

The charge of the Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (WQGIT) is to evaluate, focus and accelerate the implementation of practices, policies and programs that will restore water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to conditions that support living resources and protect human health. The WQGIT reports to the Management Board and Principals’ Staff Committee.

Researcher holds a device that he's about to lower into the water from a bridge.
David Brower from the U.S. Geological Survey conducts water sampling on a bridge over the Patuxent River near Bowie, Md. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

Functions

  • Provide a forum for discussion, exchange of information and evaluation among federal, state and local agencies, river basin commissions, industry groups, universities and other interested parties on water quality goals, data, modeling, authorities and restoration efforts.
  • Evaluate and promote strategies to reduce nutrient, sediment and chemical contaminant loads from municipal, industrial and onsite wastewater; agricultural lands and animal operations; urban and suburban stormwater; forested lands; tidal and in-stream sediment; and air emissions.
  • Promote consistent, uniform and transparent processes to model, track, report and verify water quality restoration efforts.
  • Identify, define, quantify and incorporate pollutant reduction and conservation practices into the Chesapeake Bay Program decision support system.
  • Provide technical expertise and leadership to support the development, implementation and tracking of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, Watershed Implementation Plans and two-year milestones that support long-term Bay restoration goals.

Governance Protocols

The WQGIT Governance Protocols, revised on June 23, 2021, articulate the decision-making procedures and cross-sector communication processes observed by the WQGIT and its Workgroups. The WQGIT Governance Protocols are consistent with the governance decisions made by the Chesapeake Bay Program's Principals' Staff Committee.

Membership

The WQGIT and WQGIT Workgroups strive to maintain a membership that is representative of the signatories to the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and those that take leadership roles in the Chesapeake Bay Program structure, while empowering Advisory Committees and non-signatories. The WQGIT membership will be based on the following construct to the maximum extent possible: 

  • Members from each signatory (one each with an alternate identified)
  • At-large members (up to six with option to identify an alternate)
  • One advisor from each WQGIT Workgroup (invited)
  • One advisor from each CBP Advisory Committee (invited)

More information about the WQGIT's current members can be found in WQGIT Members, updated January 28, 2025.

Orientation Materials

The WQGIT New Member Orientation Guide provides an overview of the Chesapeake Bay Program, the WQGIT, the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and more.

Projects

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Data Dashboard

Complete

This online tool provides accessibility and visualization of data and technical information that can help guide water quality and watershed planning efforts.

Phase 7 Model Development

In Progress

These updated modeling tools will be used by the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to inform decisions related to the nutrient and sediment reduction goals outlined in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

BMP Expert Panels and Review Protocol

Complete

These protocols guide the development, review and approval of loading and effectiveness estimates for nutrient and sediment controls in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model.

Phase III WIP Expectations

Complete

These expectations are directed toward ensuring the seven Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions and their local, regional and federal partners have in place, or are committed to put in place, the funding, financing, cost-share, technical assistance, voluntary, incentive, policy, programmatic, legislative and regulatory infrastructures necessary to achieve their Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan targets.

Multiple Benefits of Nutrient and Sediment BMPs

Complete

These resources are designed to help jurisdictions and planners consider the benefits of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that extend beyond nutrient and sediment load reductions.

Publications

Related Resources

Our Watershed Agreement Goals & Outcomes

Vital Habitats Goal

Water Quality Goal

Toxic Contaminants Goal

Our Workgroups & Action Teams

Our Members