Abstract:

Despite significant advances in sensor and communication technologies, water quality monitoring (WQM) is still primarily undertaken through small-scale and single-application sampling and testing that is limited by the available techniques and only provides selective data for decision support tools. The effects of diffuse pollutants and their distribution within water bodies and transboundary river systems are, therefore, difficult to capture, as is determining the exact point and timing of their release into a defined “water system”. Improved data capture and timely analysis, enabled by innovative sensor technologies and communication networks, is an important aspect of compliance monitoring. This is particularly important for international and trans-border agreements where changes in water distribution, quality, and availability associated with regional climate variability are already creating challenges for future water, energy and food security. Therefore, by removing the long lead times between when the sample was taken to completion of sample testing and data analysis, it is not only possible to develop and implement an effective WQM network and management framework that provides for real time data capture and analysis, but one that also provides for flexible policy settings, an early warning and situation management capability, and opportunities for greater compliance in water resource management.