The Environmental Regulation Commission has adopted a stringent, science-based water-quality standard for the Everglades. The Post's July 14 editorial "Give Everglades guardian" ignored that fact and consistently disregards the unprecedented progress achieved during the past four years to restore water quality and flow to the "River of Grass."

The 10-parts-per-billion water-quality standard for phosphorus is one of the first in the nation. More scientific research has gone into developing the water-quality standard than any other standard in Florida -- and perhaps even the nation.

To ensure consistency with the settlement agreement overseen by U.S. District Judge William Hoeveler, the commissioners adopted the same measurement system and method being used in the Loxahatchee National Wildlife refuge and Everglades National Park. The plan contemplates a long-term phosphorus level of 7 ppb in the refuge and 8 ppb in most of Everglades National Park -- more protective than the 10-ppb criterion just adopted. The rule also is consistent with the federal Clean Water Act and the state Everglades Forever Act.

Ninety percent of the Everglades is clean. During the past decade, Florida invested more than $600 million to reduce phosphorus entering the Everglades. Recent amendments to the Everglades Forever Act and the new, stringent water-quality standard will guarantee progress for cleaning up the remaining 10 percent.