Research into assessment criteria for the classification of ecological water status
WATERS is a five-year research programme that started in spring 2011. The programme’s objective is to develop and improve the assessment criteria that are used to classify the status of Swedish coastal and inland waters in accordance with the EC Water Framework Directive. WATERS focuses particularly on the biological quality elements used in water quality assessments, i.e., macrophytes, benthic invertebrates, phytoplankton, and fish; in streams, benthic diatoms are also considered. The research programme will also refine the criteria used for integrated assessments of ecological water status.
The results are directly linked to the applied management of waters and the programme is working closely with the authorities responsible for coordinating water management and assessing the state of Swedish lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, i.e., the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management and the Swedish River Basin District Authorities. WATERS will also convene seminars open to a wider group of stakeholders (see Upcoming events).
The acronym stands for “Waterbody Assessment Tools for Ecological Reference conditions and status in Sweden”.
coordinated by:
funded by:
