The vital sign selection process of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M) identified water chemistry, nutrient dynamics, and surface water dynamics as a critical need for the parks of the National Capital Region Network (NCRN). This protocol includes monitoring of three related vital signs: water chemistry, nutrient dynamics, and surface water dynamics. The protocol is based on guidance from National Park Service Water Resources Division and 19 years of field experience on the part of the primary author.