Book excerpt: This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Report of a survey conducted by the EPA and its state and tribal partners of the nation's lakes, ponds and reservoirs. This National Lakes Assessment is designed to provide statistically valid regional and national estimates of the condition of lakes. It uses a probability-based sampling design to represent the condition of all lakes in similar regions sharing similar ecological characteristics. Consistent sampling and analytical procedures ensure that the results can be compared across the country. The National Lakes Assessment helps build state and tribal capacity for monitoring and assessment and promotes collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries in the assessment of water quality. Charts and tables.