ICP Waters

Air pollution and the associated impacts on water quality are large scale environmental problems without respect for geopolitical boundaries. In 1979, a series of meetings convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) led to the adoption of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), which provides a framework for international collaboration between researchers and policy makers, with the aim to promote clean air and reduce the negative effects of airborne pollutants.

The ICP Waters programme was established in 1985 with the specific objective of assessing the degree to which atmospheric pollution has affected surface waters, particularly with regard to issues such as acidification, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

The programme is lead by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and brings together data from around twenty countries across Europe and North America. The programme is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment and UNECE.