[en] Water quality issues are key components of a comprehensive environmental monitoring and surveillance program. In addition to monitoring radioactivity and chemicals in surface and ground water, the program monitors air, foodstuffs, wildlife, soil and natural vegetation. Population numbers of key wildlife species are also determined, usually during the breeding season. In 1987, measured Hanford Site perimeter concentrations of airborne radionuclides were below applicable guidelines. Tritium and nitrate continued to be the most widespread constituents in onsite ground water. Chromium, cyanide, fluoride, and carbon tetrachloride were found in ground-water wells near operating areas. Concentrations of radionuclides identified at a municipal water intake on the Columbia River were below limits established for drinking water. Foodstuffs irrigated with river water taken downstream of the site showed low levels of radionuclides that were similar to concentrations found in foodstuffs not irrigated with Columbia River water. Low levels of ⁹⁰Sr and ¹³⁷Cs found in some onsite wildlife samples were typical of those attributable to worldwide fallout as were the low concentrations of radionuclides found in soils and vegetation from both onsite and offsite locations. 29 refs., 4 figs