Aims and objectives
The main aim of the ICP Waters Programme is to assess, on a regional basis, the degree and geographical extent of the impact of atmospheric pollution, in particular acidification, on surface waters. The detailed aims and objectives, as discussed and decided in on the 15th Task Force Meeting in Italy (1999), are shown below.
Aims:
• Assess the degree and geographic extent of the impact of atmospheric pollution, in particular acidification,
on surface waters;
• Collect information to evaluate dose/response relationships;
• Describe and evaluate long-term trends and variation in aquatic chemistry and biota attributable to
atmospheric pollution.
Objectives:
• Maintain and develop an international network of surface water monitoring sites;
• Promote international harmonisation of monitoring practices by:
- maintaining and updating a manual for methods and operation;
- conducting interlaboratory quality assurance tests;
- compiling a centralised database with data quality control and assessment capabilities.
• Develop and/or recommend chemical and biological methods for monitoring purposes;
• Report on progress according to programme aims and short term objectives as defined in the annual work
programme;
• Conduct workshops on topics of central interest to the Programme Task Force and the aquatic effects
research community;
• Address water related questions in cooperation with other ICP’s