The term State is according to the EU definition (EC, 2003 Analysis of Pressures and Impacts) "The condition of the water body resulting from both natural and anthropogenic factors."

Guidance to asses limits, and to some extent threshold values for good water quality status with respect to nutrient concentrations, are given, inter alia, by Water Framework Directive, the Nitrates Directive and the Drinking Water Directive

Furthermore, International Commissions such as OSPAR and HELCOM, state objectives with respect to nutrient status in seawaters. In order to evaluate the conditions of a water body, measurements of nutrient concentrations are necessary. In many European countries a network of gauging stations are set up to monitor nutrient concentrations and river water flow. Assuming representative measurement schemes, total loads can be estimated adequately. It is important to develop representative monitoring programmes (c.f. EC, 2003, Monitoring under the Water Framework Directive).

Quantification tools can be of assistance to analyse the behaviour of nutrients in a catchment. In the EUROHARP project, the difference between measured and modelled nutrient concentrations or loads has been evaluated by statistical methods. Furthermore subjective information including bottle necks for modelling nutrient flow and transport in river basins can be studied through catchment model reports.



External Link
 EC Guidance documents