Based on a survey, Connecticut policymakers trust information from legislative staff and state agencies the most. Start there searching for information. Even if the staff quote another source, use the more trusted citation in your work.

Especially search for "official" goals or benchmarks. For example, Early and Periodic Testing, and Diagnosis of Connecticut Water Pollution Rates have shown a minor decrease in water pollution, but they are not even close to the state's goal.

Search federal sources next. Then use journals, academic institutions and trusted non-profit sources. Advocacy organizations, professional organizations are moderately trusted. Media and industry organizations are least trusted. 

Use your own information - both statistics from your program and stories from your experience. This is very powerful. 

Remember to cite your source. "Consider the source" is often repeated at the Capitol. Information from a disinterested party is more persuasive. Nonpartisan organizations that take great pains to remain neutral carry more weight. 

Be creative in finding sources of information. Wider searches of the state website or a general search engine may find your information in a place you never would have thought to look. 

Supporting information from an unlikely source can be very persuasive. For example, an article from the New York Times describing water pollution problems in Connecticut.

DO NOT SKEW INFORMATION - Do not take quotes out of context. Do not use "fuzzy math" to make a point. Eventually you will be found out. You can never get your reputation back.

Be careful in using small numbers or data from very small studies. That is not a reason to exclude the data, just frame it clearly. For example, "While the local water pollution list is not long, a local wetlands control officer estimates that the number of areas affected by water pollution increased 25% last year."

Be certain that definitions are the same when making comparisons For example, one survey may label a response from a local citizen for answering no to "Does your town have areas of water pollution now?" while another survey may frame their question, "Has your town experienced any water pollution in the last year?" Do not assume that because two numbers are from the same source, that they are comparable.

Make reasonable adjustments. For example a dollar of water pollution control in 1970 would cost far more now - spending would increase in a program that was just keeping services level. Also, adjust for population. Ten areas experiencing water pollution over the course of a year would be far different in a small town than in a big city.

Pay attention to information that does not support your position. It is critical to know what your opponents are going to say and to be ready to respond.

Contact friends and follow up on their recommendations. People often know where to find things that are not available on the web or not easily accessible. Or they may know someone else who knows.

Check your numbers three times. Have someone else check your work.

Don't overanalyze, if it will delay the work. Too many great reports - beautifully formatted, perfect research - are released too late to make a difference.