Over large parts of the world, rivers and lakes show increasing trends of water pollution. This holds especially for developing countries under economic expansion and increasing population sizes. Evaluation of the physical, chemical and biological water quality is essential for the abatement of freshwater pollution.

For this, sound and sustainable water quality assessment programmes aim at integrating the different steps in the monitoring cycle, from the information needs, monitoring network design, field and laboratory procedures up to data collection and processing.

The resulting water quality data can then be evaluated together with the natural water quality, human effects and water quality usages.

Optimization of the water quality monitoring programmes should ensure that these programmes are sound and sustainable.

Learning objectives

After successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand and apply concepts of water quality and pollution processes in rivers and lakes
Understand and apply the different steps of the monitoring cycle in rivers and lakes
Understand the basic concepts of groundwater quality and monitoring
Apply common statistical techniques for water quality data evaluation
Design sound and sustainable freshwater quality monitoring and assessment programmes under specified conditions.

Target group

The course is designed for professionals actively involved in water quality monitoring and management.

They may be working e.g. for environmental agencies, consultants, as environmental or water management officers in local, regional or national governments, as staff of NGOs, or as junior university lecturers, and may not have the time to undertake a course that lasts several weeks abroad.

Partners

WaterNet, Zimbabwe/Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique

Additional information

For further information, please contact: p.kelderman@unesco-ihe.org, d.rousseau@unesco-ihe.org