Future of STORET
STORET is evolving. To keep pace with developing technologies and Agency
wide approaches, EPA will be making significant changes to the STORET model of
data sharing. In the past, EPA has distributed the STORET database and a suite
of data entry and retrieval tools to our partners, and use of the database has
been the sole means to share data with the Agency. Over the next 3 years, EPA
will phase out this approach. Through this transition period, EPA will continue
to support both approaches for sharing data with EPA. At the end of the
transition period, STORET as presently implemented will no longer be supported.
EPA is committed to working with our data partners through this transition.
This page provides information on the coming changes and on the transition from
the use of STORET to the adoption of this new approach - tentatively being
called the Water Quality Exchange (WQX).
What is WQX?
WQX is a future production water quality data flow that will facilitate water
quality data submission and exchange between EPA and its data partners.
WQX consists of standard data formats for sharing data with EPA, a
centralized national database, and enhancement of the existing STORET/WQX Data
Warehouse, where information is accessed using the internet.
The WQX formats are a set of standard 'schema' using Extensible Markup
Language (XML) to provide various classes of data. A schema is simply a defined
group of data elements that is organized in a set structure. XML provides a
format for transferring the structured data by including a tag on each data
element that identifies what element is included. XML files are text documents
that apply this tagging approach.
As a part of this new system for data sharing EPA will develop a number of
tools and services to facilitate its use. This will include a tool for the
generation of XML files, web submittals of data, and enhanced web services for
data retrieval.
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The Evolution of STORET
The evolution of STORET to WQX will bring the system in line with the
Agency's Enterprise Architecture approach and will take advantage of new
technologies. The Enterprise Architecture defines an overall plan for the
development of information technology in order to maximize coordination of
EPA's investments. An important part of the architecture is that data should
be sent to EPA using a national data Exchange Network and EPA's Central Data
Exchange (CDX). CDX then moves the data to various databases. The evolution
to WQX will bring the STORET system in line with this approach. It will also
transition the system to the use of EPA's Environmental Sampling, Analysis, and
Results (ESAR) standard, which gives consistent names and definitions to common
data elements that are used across the Agency.
WQX will also adopt the use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) for
transferring data. The use of this relatively new technology for data sharing
will simplify the transfer of data by providing a standard structure that can be
checked for completeness.
For more background information on these topics, click on the following links:
Click here for information on the Exchange Network.
Click here for information on the Central Data Exchange (CDX). 
Click here for information on the ESAR standards.
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OWWQX Pilot Information
EPA has recently completed a successful OWWQX Pilot program (Office of Water
WQX) to test the draft XML schema for chemical/physical data, the transfer of
data through the system, and the general concepts behind WQX. The pilot
provided valuable lessons learned and a solid proof of concept for the new
approach to sharing water quality data. As a follow up, EPA is working with
our partners to finalize the WQX schema for chemical and physical data. A
second pilot for biological and habitat data is planned for late 2006 to early
2007. For pilot-related products and additional pilot information, see the
Additional Information section.
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WQX Implementation Schedule
The evolution of STORET to WQX will be a gradual process. Support for
STORET will continue over the next few years to give our data partners time
to adjust and adopt the new approach. For a detailed schedule of the transition
and for the development of tools to be used with WQX, click on the
following link:
Click here to proceed to the STORET / WQX Schedule page.
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Additional Information
There are a growing number of documents which explain and expand on the
information presented regarding WQX. They include details on the OWWQX Pilot and
the draft WQX schema for chemistry and physical data. These and other supporting
documents may be downloaded by clicking on the following link:
Click here to proceed to the STORET / WQX Downloads page.
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