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WFD UK TAG
About UKTAG
Groundwaters
In order to monitor quantitative status, parameters will be chosen based upon the conceptual model/understanding of the groundwater system (CIS, 2003a). For example, spring flows or base-flows in rivers may be more appropriate than the use of boreholes in certain circumstances.
In order to monitor the chemical status of groundwater, where surveillance monitoring is required, the WFD requires a core set of parameters be monitored: oxygen content, pH value, conductivity, nitrate and ammonium.
Other parameters for surveillance and operational monitoring of groundwater must be selected on the basis of:
On the last point, suites of parameters frequently associated with particular pressures have been identified in the guidance document (e.g. for gas works: PAH, Phenol, hydrocarbons etc). Using parameters indicative of the pollutants liable to be present can help ensure cost-effective monitoring. Other chemical parameters may need to be sampled for quality assurance purposes. For example, measuring the concentrations of major ions in a water sample to produce an ion balance can be used to check the water analysis results are representative of the sampled groundwater.
UK Draft River Basin Management Plans - now live
