Groundwater Quality And Quantity In Europe

Recoge: 1.Introduction - 2.Driving forces - 3.Pressures on groundwater quality - 4.Pressures on groundwater quantity - 5.Status of groundwater quality - 6.Status of groundwater quantity - 7.Policy measures and instruments.

This text presents a series of thematic chapters together with chapters on representative groundwater systems in Europe which illustrate the main processes and evolution of water quality. Brings together the research of a consortium of leading European scientists who have conducted detailed studies of water quality in Europe Includes a synthesis of findings, highlighting the thematic and regional results, with recommendations regarding aquifer evaluation, indicators, monitoring, and drinking water standards Creates a key reference work on natural water quality of aquifers, at a time when the Groundwater Directive (GD) will shortly be brought in to supplement The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) to ensure good status of groundwater

Groundwater is sometimes called “the hidden asset” – awareness of its existence and its importance is not well known and as a consequence the measures which are required to protect and manage it in an environmental sustainable way are either not taken or are taken too late. Where pollution has occurred and measures are taken too late it may take decades, or longer, until the necessary restoration of quality is achieved. This comprehensive text presents in the following sections: Groundwater monitoring in the regulatory and international context Conceptual modelling and network design Groundwater pollutants and other pressures Groundwater quality standards and trend assessment Case studies for groundwater assessment and monitoring in the light of EU legislation Groundwater measurements Associating external stakeholders The editors have collected state-of-the-art information on groundwater quality assessment monitoring from the international community, providing further stimulation to the work of all parties involved in the challenges this area creates to ensure sound quality assessment of groundwater.

The focal point of this symposium on groundwater is the impact of human activity on groundwater quantity and quality. Further topics are : the influence of hydrological parameters on direction and extent of transport of chemical pollutants to groundwater; the changes of quantity and quality of groundwater; groundwater quality parameters as indicator of groundwater flow

Taking over 10 years to develop, the new EU Water Framework Directive is the most significant legal instrument in the water field to emerge from Brussels for some time and will have a profound effect on how water is managed in Europe over the next 25 years. The book outlines its basic features. It explains how the current approach to water management will have to change in order that European Member states and those countries currently in accession negotiations can meet the requirements of the directive, describing a number of examples of current practices as possible systems which could be used in the new approach. The concept of river basin management is outlined, and the potential institutional problems associated with implementing such a system are discussed including the problems associated with cross-border river basins, a common situation in Europe. Examples of existing river basin authorities and international collaboration are given as possible models. The directive requires the establishment of programmes of measures to improve water status. Some countries already use such a concept, and examples are quoted. As a result of its implementation, the directive aims to achieve good water status in all natural surface waters and groundwater in 15 years. For surface waters, the definition of 'good' is based on a new concept of 'ecological quality' taking into account biology, chemistry and their physical features. For groundwater, it includes quantitative status. The approach taken is an integrated one which has to consider all the naturally occurring and human factors which affect the waters. The difficulties of interpretation of the new concept of 'ecological water status' are discussed and some of the examples of current biological and chemical classification schemes that are used in Europe are examined. The directive also alters the way in which pollution is to be controlled - the 'combined' approach. This concept is explained. The EU Water Framework Directive: An Introduction is an invaluable source of guidance on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive for all those concerned with water management including water quality planners and scientists, pollution control and environmental staff in the water and wastewater industries and environmental regulators who all have to adapt to the new approach to their work. Contents Introduction The EU Water Framework Directive Principal Obligations of the Directive Implementation of the Directive River Basin Districts River Basin Characteristics Environmental Objectives Programme of Measures River Basin Plans Groundwater Waters Requiring Special Protection Priority Substances Monitoring Economic Instruments Recording and Reporting Summary Timescales and Future Developments

This volume is the result of work carried out under the NATO SPS Study Pilot Project "Sustainable Use and Protection of Groundwater Resources - Transboundary Water Management." It contains basic information on hydrogeological conditions, groundwater management and monitoring in areas of the Belarus, Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian borders, simultaneously borders of the European Union with its eastern partners. In view of the importance of the rational utilization of groundwater reserves, which is essential for our future existence, the book presents recommendations for a united methodology of an integrated groundwater monitoring system in this transnational area. The contributions also cover environmental and surface water issues that have direct effects on groundwater resources. The financial dimension of resource mobilization for environmental projects in Eastern Europe also features as part of a complex project solution.