ICP Waters Programme Manual

The main aim of the ICP Waters programme is to assess the degree and geographical extent of the impact of atmospheric pollution, particularly acidification, on surface waters. More than 20 countries in Europe and North America participate in the programme on a regular basis in form of data submission, assessments, chemical intercomparisons and biological intercalibrations and participation in the annual Task Force meeting. Each country finances the costs of monitoring of its water bodies and the associated laboratory analysis.
An important tool for maintaining consistent and high-quality assessment of air pollution effects on surface waters is a manual that includes state-of-the-art documentation of methods and principles for design, sampling, analysis, quality assurance and data assessment. This report constitutes the latest updated version of the ICP Waters manual, which was first published in 1987, and revised in 1996 and 2010. Most emphasis is given to monitoring of water chemical and biological effects of acidification, but guidance on monitoring of effects of nutrient enrichment and trace metal pollution is also provided. The guidance is most suited for monitoring of air pollution impacts on water bodies located in (semi)natural catchments and thus minimally affected by local pollution sources. The ICP Waters manual is expected to be useful for freshwater monitoring under the LRTAP Convention, the EU NEC Directive, the Water Framework Directive, Minamata Convention and monitoring of Arctic environments.