Conclusions and Recommendations

Abstract

The studies leading to the present book have derived their impetus from the recommendations expressed at international levels towards improved availability of information on the water environment for better water management (Harmancioglu et al., 1998). Examples include the Dublin Statement of the International Conference on Water and Environment; Agenda 21 of UNCED; various workshops and meetings held by WMO, WHO, UNESCO, UNEP, the World Bank, IAHS, and IAWQ; recent Directives foreseen by the EU Community; and a number of international programmes such as the EEA (European Environmental Agency) work programme, WHYCOS of WMO and the World Bank, GRID and GEMS of UNEP, to name but a few (see Chapter 1). Essentially, Chapter 18 of Agenda 21 best describes the problem associated with current information systems: information on the hydrologic cycle, including both water quantity and water quality constitutes the basis for effective water management. However, current monitoring systems experience a declining trend in terms of effectiveness; this is in contrast to the increasing trend in our demand for water. This situation has resulted in significant emphasis directed towards assessment and redesign of the current water quality monitoring networks. The basic problem, in this respect, is that generally accepted guidelines do not exist on how the assessment and redesign processes should be addressed.