The project purpose was to study the effects of a waterfowl refuge on water quality monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological character of the water in the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge along the Rio Grande in Socorro County, New Mexico. A regular monthly monitoring program over the three-year study period was set up to collect and analyze water samples from eight points within the refuge. The types of water monitored were as follows; water entering the refuge, water leaving the refuge, Rio Grande water within the refuge which served as a control since it was not used in refuge management, swamp water, irrigation water, fishing pond water, and high-waterfowl-use temporary ponds. (Modified author abstract)