Water quality monitoring reveals the health of rivers, lakes (surface water) and groundwater. It comprises repeated (with a defined frequency) analysis of water quality, through sampling on sites, analysis in the laboratory, and data interpretation. The results of water monitoring are incorporated into River Basin Management Plans to inform on the current status of all surface and groundwater (intact or deteriorated) and on the effect of measures implemented for its rehabilitation.

In Armenia, water monitoring mainly verifies physico-chemical parameters (to detect nutrients and pollutants from agriculture, urban wastewater and diverse industries). The EU Water Framework Directive relies on ecological monitoring to investigate the current status of indicator species in each local water body (biological and hydromorphological monitoring). 

Environment Agency Austria